Hot Honey Chicken Tenders have become a personal go-to for me, especially when I’m craving something truly satisfying. I still remember the first time I tried these spicy honey chicken strips at a local food truck festival; the combination of crispy chicken and that irresistible sweet and spicy kick was absolutely mind-blowing. It was love at first bite! Ever since, I’ve been perfecting my own sweet and spicy chicken tenders recipe at home, aiming for that perfect balance of heat and sweetness, along with an incredible crunch. The aroma that fills my kitchen when I’m making these homemade hot honey chicken tenders is just divine, bringing everyone running. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
I know you’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons. These aren’t just any chicken tenders; they’re a flavor explosion!
- The perfect balance of sweet and spicy creates an addictive taste sensation.
- They’re surprisingly quick to prepare, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner.
- You’ll get wonderfully crispy Hot Honey Chicken Fingers every single time.
- This recipe uses readily available ingredients, keeping it budget-friendly for any household.
- Even picky eaters tend to love these flavorful, crispy Hot Honey Chicken Fingers.
- It’s a comforting meal that brings joy and satisfaction to your dinner table.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
To create this amazing Sweet and Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe, you’ll need a few key items. I’ve found that using fresh, high-quality ingredients truly makes a difference in the final taste and texture of these tenders.
- 1 pound Chicken Tenders – fresh is always best for tenderness.
- 1 cup Buttermilk – essential for marinating and achieving that juicy interior.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour – forms the base of our crispy coating.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika – adds a lovely color and subtle warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder – for a savory depth of flavor in the coating.
- 1 teaspoon Salt – crucial for seasoning both the chicken and the flour mix.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper – a classic seasoning that goes well with everything.
- 1 cup Oil (neutral, high smoke point) – I prefer vegetable or canola oil for frying.
- 1/2 cup Honey – the “honey” part of our amazing hot honey glaze.
- 1/4 cup Hot Sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot) – brings the “hot” to our glaze, adjust to your spice preference.
- 2 tablespoons Butter – helps to emulsify the hot honey glaze and adds richness.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Making these delicious Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is a straightforward process, and I promise you, the effort is well worth it for the incredible flavor payoff! Follow these steps closely to achieve perfectly crispy and juicy tenders every time. This recipe for homemade hot honey chicken tenders will quickly become a family favorite.
- Step 1: First, you’ll want to get your chicken ready. Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Make sure each tender is fully submerged. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator; this step is key for juicy and tender results.
- Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare your dry coating. In a separate, shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour mix is what will give your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders their fantastic crispy crust.
- Step 3: Once marinated, remove the tenders from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good, even coat. This ensures maximum crispiness.
- Step 4: Heat your oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature accurately. Carefully add the coated tenders to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: As they finish cooking, transfer the fried tenders to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them wonderfully crispy.
- Step 6: Now for the star of the show: the hot honey glaze! In a small bowl, combine the honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. This sweet and spicy concoction is what transforms them into truly irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
- Step 7: Once your tenders are fried and still warm, generously brush or toss them with the hot honey glaze, ensuring every piece is coated. I love how the glaze clings to the crispy exterior. These homemade hot honey chicken tenders are now ready to be served alongside your favorite mac and cheese!
Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
I’ve made these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
- Always ensure your oil temperature is consistent at 350°F (175°C) for truly crispy tenders. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to soggy chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Frying in batches ensures even cooking and maintains oil temperature, creating perfectly crispy chicken.
- For an extra flavor boost, let your chicken marinate in the buttermilk for a few hours, or even overnight, in the fridge. This deepens the flavor and tenderness.
- To get an extra thick and crispy coating, you can double dredge the chicken: after the first flour coat, dip it back into the buttermilk briefly, then into the flour again.
What’s the secret to perfect Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
The real secret lies in the buttermilk marinade and the precise oil temperature. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating adhere, while maintaining 350°F oil ensures your crispy Hot Honey Chicken Fingers are golden brown and cooked through without being greasy. It’s a game-changer!
Can I make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
You can definitely do some prep work in advance! Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. You can also mix your dry flour coating ahead of time. I don’t recommend frying them too far in advance, as they lose their crispness.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy, less crispy tenders. Another is not properly draining the excess buttermilk before dredging, leading to a clumpy coating. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the coating from falling off.
Best Ways to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Once you’ve mastered making these incredible Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, you’ll want to know the best ways to enjoy them. I often serve them as the star of a casual dinner, and they always disappear fast! My favorite pairing is alongside a creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese – the richness perfectly balances the sweet and spicy kick of the tenders.
Another fantastic option is to serve these Fried Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey Sauce with a fresh, crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette. The cool, crunchy vegetables offer a wonderful contrast to the warm, glazed chicken. For a more appetizer-style presentation, you can chop them up and add them to slider buns with a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing. They are truly versatile and incredibly satisfying any way you serve them.
Nutrition Facts for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for these delicious Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, based on the full recipe. I always find it helpful to have an idea of what I’m eating, especially when planning meals.
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, brands, and cooking methods. This information is provided for the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders combined with the cheesy mac bliss.
How to Store and Reheat Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
I know it’s hard to imagine having leftovers of these delicious Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, but if you do, proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying them later. After cooking, allow your tenders to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours. This prevents condensation which can make them soggy.
Once cooled, transfer the tenders to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy this quick hot honey chicken tenders recipe again, I highly recommend reheating them in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Microwaving tends to make them soft, and we want to preserve that amazing texture!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe specifies tenders, you can easily adapt it for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just be aware that thighs might require a slightly longer cooking time, usually around 6-8 minutes per side, to ensure they are cooked through. The process for How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders remains largely the same.
How spicy are these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
The spice level is easily customizable! I use 1/4 cup of hot sauce in the glaze, which gives a moderate kick that’s balanced by the honey. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce. For more intense spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the hot sauce in the glaze. It’s all about personal preference when you prepare your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
What are some good dipping sauces for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
While these tenders are fantastic on their own, a cool and creamy dipping sauce can be a great addition. I love serving them with a side of ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a simple cool Greek yogurt dip with a squeeze of lime. The creaminess helps to balance the sweet and spicy flavors of the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders beautifully.
Can I bake these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can! For a healthier option, you can certainly bake them. After coating the chicken, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Then, brush them with the hot honey glaze as directed. This is a great alternative method for How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Variations of Hot Honey Chicken Tenders You Can Try
I love how versatile these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are! Once you have the basic recipe down, it’s fun to experiment with different twists to suit your taste or dietary needs. These variations let you enjoy that sweet and spicy goodness in new ways.
- Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: For a lighter option, you can absolutely bake these instead of frying. After coating, place them on a rack in a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Then, glaze as usual.
- Spicy Honey Chicken Strips with a Kick: If you’re a heat seeker like me, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ghost pepper hot sauce to your hot honey glaze for an extra fiery punch. You can also mix some smoked paprika into the flour coating for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Gluten-Free Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious, allowing everyone to enjoy these fantastic tenders.
- Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: For ultimate crispiness with less oil, cook your coated tenders in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until perfectly golden. Then, toss with the hot honey glaze.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: 1 Incredible Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Cheesy Baked Mac Bliss offer a comforting and flavorful meal. Crispy chicken tenders are glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce and served alongside creamy, baked mac and cheese. This dish combines a delightful crunch with rich, savory flavors, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Tenders
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Oil (neutral, high smoke point)
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Hot Sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure they become juicy and tender.
- Prepare flour mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful blend creates the crispy coating for your spicy honey chicken strips.
- Coat chicken: Remove the marinated tenders from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated for that perfect crunch.
- Fry chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated tenders, frying them for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Drain them on paper towels afterward to keep them crispy.
- Make hot honey glaze: In a small bowl, mix together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter until well combined. This glaze is where the sweet and spicy magic for your hot honey glazed chicken tenders happens.
- Glaze chicken: Once the chicken tenders are fried and crispy, brush the hot honey glaze generously over the top, coating each piece for that delicious flavor kick.
- Prepare mac and cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in flour, cooking it until it forms a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking until it thickens.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked elbow macaroni and transfer it to a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade hot honey chicken tenders and cheesy baked mac bliss immediately.
Notes
- For maximum flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Ensure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before frying to prevent soggy tenders and ensure a perfectly crispy texture.
- Dredge the marinated tenders evenly in the flour mixture to achieve a uniform crunch.
- If reheating, place chicken tenders in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes rather than the microwave to maintain crispiness.
- Experiment with additional spices in the flour mix for extra zing, such as cumin or cayenne, to elevate your hot honey chicken tenders further.
- Serve with a fresh side salad for added crunch and color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg