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If you love the perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet richness, this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these tender chicken pieces soak up a marinade that makes them juicy inside, while the lightly spiced crispy coating gives way to a luscious drizzle of hot honey sauce that’s both addictive and comforting. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe delivers a sensational combination that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but critical for building layers of flavor and texture. From tenderizing buttermilk to a perfectly seasoned coating and that irresistible hot honey glaze, each element plays a special role in bringing this dish to life.
- Chicken tenderloins: The star ingredient, tender and quick to cook, perfect for crispy tenders.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken for juicy results.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the essential base of the crispy coating.
- Cornstarch: Combines with flour to create an ultra-crispy crust that stays crunchy.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano: These spices build savory depth and a hint of warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the tenders perfectly, balancing all the flavors.
- Hot sauce: Delivers the signature kick in your hot honey sauce.
- Honey: Brings sweetness and a glossy finish to coat the tenders.
- Oil for frying: Needed to get that golden, crispy exterior everyone craves.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by mixing salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl for a perfectly balanced spice blend. Coat the chicken tenderloins in half of this spice mix along with buttermilk, allowing them to marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This step is key to infusing flavor and ensuring the chicken stays juicy and tender when fried.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Next, combine the remaining spice blend with flour and cornstarch in a large bowl or a sealable bag. Remove the tenders from the marinade and thoroughly coat each piece in the flour mixture. This ensures a crunch that’s both hearty and delicate, setting the stage for that beautiful golden crust we all adore.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy skillet — this precise temperature is vital to getting the tenders crispy without absorbing too much oil. Fry each tender for roughly 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Drain them on a wire rack to keep that crunch intact and eliminate excess oil, because soggy is never the goal here.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the tenders rest, whisk hot sauce and honey together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth, a little thickened, and perfectly glossy. This luscious sauce is the magic that dresses the crispy chicken in sweet heat heaven.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
Finally, toss the freshly fried chicken tenders in your homemade hot honey sauce so every bite bursts with vibrant flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crisp crust with the sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that defines this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like finely chopped green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a pinch of flaky sea salt really lifts this dish. These little touches add texture, subtle freshness, and that extra pop of color that makes your plate irresistible.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like creamy coleslaw, crispy French fries, or even roasted vegetables complement the hot honey flavors beautifully. For a lighter touch, serve with a simple mixed green salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette to brighten the entire meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try serving these tenders on soft slider buns with crunchy pickles and a drizzle of extra hot honey sauce on top. Or arrange them on a charcuterie board alongside assorted dips and veggies for a fun, shareable feast full of flavor contrasts and inviting colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To preserve their crispiness, avoid stacking while storing and keep the sauce separate if possible, adding it fresh before serving.
Freezing
If you want to freeze cooked tenders, first let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving whenever possible, as it can make the coating soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch as directed. Just make sure your hot sauce and other seasoning ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce based on your heat tolerance and flavor preference. Classic options like Frank’s RedHot work amazingly well to balance heat and tang without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the tenders the same way and bake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe?
The spice level is pleasantly warm but not overwhelming, thanks to the balance of hot sauce and sweet honey. You can easily adjust the amount of hot sauce to make it milder or spicier depending on your taste.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk and spices up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to coat and fry for the freshest flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving comfort food with a spicy-sweet twist. It’s straightforward to make but guaranteed to impress. So roll up your sleeves, whip up this irresistible dish, and get ready to enjoy every crunchy, saucy bite with a big smile. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in buttermilk and spices, coated in a crispy flour and cornstarch crust, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. It’s a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it an irresistible appetizer or main dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, white tendon removed
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Remaining half of the spice blend (from above: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper)
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
Other
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken tenderloins, half of the spice blend, and buttermilk to a bowl. Let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature to marinate and tenderize the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the flour, cornstarch, and the remaining spices in a large sealable bag or bowl. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and dip them into the flour mixture, ensuring each tender is thoroughly coated for a crispy crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Drain them on a wire rack to maintain crispiness and remove excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce and honey. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking frequently until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the fried chicken tenders in the hot honey sauce to evenly coat them. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for even frying and optimal crunch.
- Use a wire rack after frying instead of paper towels to keep tenders crispy.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in the honey sauce to control spiciness.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if desired.
- Leftover tenders can be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
