Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Your New Favorite Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken Recipe

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most irresistible finger food: homemade **Hot Honey Chicken Tenders**! These aren’t just any chicken tenders; they are a masterpiece of culinary delight, featuring succulent chicken tenderloins perfectly coated in a seasoned buttermilk and flour dredge, then fried to golden perfection. The magic truly happens when they’re generously smothered in a luscious, sweet, and spicy hot honey sauce that will have you reaching for more.

Whether you’re looking for an epic appetizer, a delightful main course, or simply a crowd-pleasing snack, these crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed chicken tenders are guaranteed to be a hit. Forget bland takeout; this easy-to-follow recipe brings restaurant-quality hot honey chicken straight to your kitchen table.

While I often gravitate towards simple chicken dishes like air fryer chicken wings for a quicker meal, some days just call for the unparalleled joy of classic deep-fried chicken tenders. This recipe delivers exactly that: the ultimate crispy exterior giving way to a wonderfully juicy interior, all elevated by the irresistible sweet and spicy kick of hot honey. It’s a flavor combination that’s truly addictive!

The beauty of these **hot honey chicken tenders** lies in their harmonious balance. The sweetness of the honey beautifully complements the subtle heat of your favorite hot sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that appeals to everyone. I love serving them alongside comforting classics like creamy 4-cheese mac and cheese, crisp coleslaw, and a cooling blue cheese dressing to complete the perfect meal. They also make fantastic game-day snacks or party appetizers.

What Are Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a popular American comfort food, reimagined with a modern, flavorful twist. They feature lean cuts of chicken (typically tenderloins or breast strips) that are first marinated in buttermilk, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. What sets them apart is the signature hot honey sauce, a blend of sweet honey and your preferred hot sauce, often with added spices, creating a glaze that is brushed or tossed over the freshly fried chicken.

This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes: the crunchy breading, tender chicken, and the sticky, glossy sauce that provides both sweetness and a manageable level of spice. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course with hearty sides or as an exciting appetizer for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

• Irresistibly Crispy & Juicy: The buttermilk marinade ensures tender, juicy chicken, while the flour and cornstarch coating fries up incredibly crispy.
• Perfect Sweet & Spicy Balance: The hot honey sauce delivers that sought-after dynamic flavor profile – sweet, savory, and just the right amount of heat.
• Quick & Easy: With only about 20 minutes of prep and 6 minutes of cook time, these delicious tenders come together faster than you might expect.
• Versatile Serving Options: Ideal as a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a delicious snack.
• Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level of the hot honey sauce to suit your personal preference.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Crafting the perfect **hot honey chicken tenders** starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:

• Chicken: I personally prefer using **chicken tenderloins** for their inherent tenderness and consistent size, which helps them cook evenly. However, you can absolutely use **boneless, skinless chicken breasts** sliced into 1-inch thick, long strips. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Hot Sauce: The choice of hot sauce is crucial for defining the “hot” in your hot honey. Use **your favorite spicy hot sauce** – one that you enjoy the flavor of. For this recipe, I find that Cholula hot sauce works wonderfully, offering a balanced heat and great flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy. Other great options include Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or even a spicier habanero sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Buttermilk: **Thick, full-fat, store-bought buttermilk** is highly recommended. Buttermilk plays a vital role in tenderizing the chicken and helping the flour coating adhere, creating a superior crispy crust. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) to reach 2 cups. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
• All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: The combination of these two is key for an extra crispy coating. The **all-purpose flour** forms the base, while **cornstarch** adds a delicate crispness that holds up well during frying. Don’t skip the cornstarch!
• Spices: My go-to blend includes **garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper**. This combination provides a savory depth that perfectly complements the sweet and spicy sauce. Feel free to customize this! You can use pre-made blends like Cajun seasoning, chipotle seasoning, or any other favorite chicken rub. Just be mindful of the salt content in pre-made blends.
• Honey: Any good quality liquid honey will work. The honey provides the essential sweetness and helps create that glossy, sticky coating.
• Oil for Frying: You’ll need enough oil to deep-fry the chicken tenders. **Peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil** are excellent choices due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors, which won’t interfere with the taste of your chicken.

Top Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Achieving perfectly crispy and juicy chicken tenders coated in that irresistible hot honey sauce is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Remove the Tendon: If you’re using chicken tenderloins, I highly recommend taking a moment to remove the tough white tendon. This ensures a more pleasant eating experience. To easily remove it, simply slip the thin end of the tendon through the tines of a fork, then grip the tendon with a paper towel and pull firmly. It should slide right off!
• Don’t Over-Salt the Breading (Initially): I intentionally didn’t add too much salt to the initial spice blend for the chicken. Why? Because the majority of the rich flavor, including a good amount of saltiness and spice, will come from the hot honey sauce itself. This allows for better control over the final seasoning. However, if you prefer your chicken more seasoned beneath the sauce, feel free to adjust the salt in the breading to your normal preference.
• Avoid Overcooking for Juiciness: The key to juicy chicken tenders is not to overcook them. For most tenderloins, frying for just **3 minutes on each side** in oil heated to 350°F (175°C) is usually sufficient. The best way to ensure they are perfectly cooked and safe to eat is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Double-Dredge for Extra Crispness: For an even crispier coating, you can double-dredge your chicken. After the first dip in the buttermilk and flour, dip it back into the buttermilk and then again into the flour mixture. This creates a thicker, more textured crust.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor your oil temperature. Maintaining a consistent 350°F (175°C) is crucial. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will be greasy; if it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken tenders in batches. Overcrowding the pan will drastically lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy, rather than crispy, chicken. Give each tender enough space to fry properly.
• Serve with Extra Hot Honey: The hot honey sauce is what makes this dish shine! Don’t just coat them; serve extra hot honey on the side for dipping. Every bite should be drenched in that sweet and spicy goodness for maximum flavor.
• Choose the Right Frying Oil: For best results, use oils with a high smoke point and neutral flavor such as **peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil**. These oils ensure a clean taste and won’t burn at the required frying temperature.
• Rest the Fried Chicken: After frying, place the chicken tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (not directly on paper towels, which can trap steam and make them soggy). This allows excess oil to drip off and keeps the tenders crispy while you finish cooking the batches.

Can I Adjust The Hot Honey Sauce To My Liking?

Absolutely, yes! The beauty of homemade recipes is the ability to customize. Before you coat all your delicious **crispy chicken tenders**, always taste the hot honey sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can start with a little less hot sauce and add more gradually. If you’re a heat seeker, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of hot sauce or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra fiery kick. You can also experiment with different types of honey or a smoky hot sauce to create unique flavor variations. Whisk thoroughly after each adjustment to ensure the flavors are well incorporated.

Can I Bake or Air Fry These Instead?

While the recipe is optimized for frying to achieve that ultimate crispy texture and rich flavor, I understand the desire for alternative cooking methods. I highly recommend frying these **hot honey chicken tenders** because they truly shine when deep-fried and smothered in sauce. The frying process results in a perfectly crispy exterior that locks in the juices, and when done correctly, they are not greasy at all.

However, if you must avoid deep-frying:

• Baking: You can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (sprayed with cooking spray). Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). While they will be cooked, they won’t achieve the same level of crispiness as fried chicken.
• Air Frying: Air frying is another option that will yield crispier results than baking. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking oil. Cook in batches for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. The air fryer offers a good compromise for crispness without excessive oil, though it might still differ slightly from deep-fried.

Keep in mind that when baking or air frying, the sauce might adhere differently, and the overall texture will vary from the deep-fried version. For the authentic **hot honey chicken tenders** experience, frying is definitely the way to go!

Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

These versatile **sweet and spicy chicken tenders** can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some of my favorite pairings to turn them into a complete and satisfying meal:

• Classic Comfort: Pair them with creamy mac and cheese and a side of fresh coleslaw for a truly indulgent experience.
• With Dips: A cooling blue cheese dressing is a fantastic counterpoint to the hot honey. Ranch dressing or even an extra drizzle of the hot honey sauce itself are also great options.
• Fries & Taters: Serve alongside crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
• Healthy Balance: If you’re looking for a lighter touch, a crisp garden salad or roasted green beans can offer a nice contrast.
• Sandwich/Wrap Style: Place them in a warm bun with some pickles and a dollop of slaw for a delicious hot honey chicken sandwich. Or chop them up and put them in a wrap with lettuce and your favorite dressing.
• On Waffles: For a brunch twist, serve your hot honey chicken tenders on top of fluffy waffles, Nashville Hot Chicken style!

More Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you loved this **sweet and spicy fried chicken recipe**, be sure to check out these other fantastic chicken dishes from my kitchen:

• Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Baked Honey BBQ Wings
• Smothered Chicken Breasts
• Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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