Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

Growing up, fried chicken was my comfort food, but it wasn’t until I discovered hot honey chicken tenders that I truly fell in love. The first time I bit into one, the crispy coating gave way to juicy chicken, and that sweet-spicy hot honey glaze hit me like a flavor explosion. It was a game-changer! I started experimenting in my kitchen, tweaking recipes to get that perfect balance of heat and sweetness. After countless batches, I nailed it, and now I’m sharing my go-to recipe with you.

These tenders are my weeknight savior—quick to whip up, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile. Whether I’m serving them to friends at a game night or sneaking a few for a solo Netflix binge, they never fail to satisfy. The best part? You don’t need to be a pro chef to make them. With simple ingredients and a few tricks I’ve learned along the way, you’ll be dishing out restaurant-worthy hot honey chicken tenders in no time. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders (Serves 4):

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins (or boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Breading Station: Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, add flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, whisk the eggs. In the third, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. Dip each piece in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat it in panko. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick.
3. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium until it shimmers (about 350°F if you have a thermometer).
4. Fry the Tenders: Working in batches, fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in honey, hot sauce, chili flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
6. Toss and Serve: Drizzle or toss the fried tenders in the hot honey glaze. Serve immediately for maximum crunch!

Pro Cooking Tips

• Keep It Crispy: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying. Too many tenders at once lower the oil’s temperature, making them soggy.
• Test the Oil: Drop a pinch of panko into the oil. If it sizzles right away, you’re good to go.
• Glaze Control: For milder flavor, drizzle the glaze instead of tossing. For bold flavor, toss generously.
• Oven Option: If frying’s not your thing, bake the tenders at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

Variations

• Baked Hot Honey Tenders: Swap frying for baking (see pro tip above) for a lighter version.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix or extra chili flakes to the glaze.
• Sweet Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze for a deeper sweetness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly dish.

Storage Suggestions

• Fridge: Store leftover tenders (without glaze) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to keep them crispy.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed, cooked tenders for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as above.
• Glaze Storage: Keep extra glaze in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.

How to Serve

Hot honey chicken tenders shine as a main dish with classic sides like coleslaw, fries, or mac and cheese. They’re also perfect for:

• Appetizers: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks for parties.
• Sandwiches: Stuff them in a bun with pickles and lettuce for a killer slider.
• Salads: Slice and toss over a green salad with ranch for a hearty meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 600mg

Note: Values vary based on portion size and glaze amount.

FAQs

Can I make hot honey chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes! Fry the tenders, cool completely, and store unglazed in the fridge. Reheat in the oven and toss with glaze before serving.

How do I make the glaze less spicy?
Reduce the hot sauce to 1 tablespoon and skip the chili flakes. Taste and adjust as you go.

Can I use an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha work great, but any favorite hot sauce will do. Pick one you love!

Conclusion

Hot honey chicken tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet-spicy glaze that’s downright addictive. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but packs enough flavor to impress any foodie. Whether you’re frying up a batch for a family dinner or spicing up a party spread, these tenders deliver every time. So, grab your ingredients, crank up some music, and get cooking—you’re about to make something unforgettable!