These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are both succulent and crunchy, lavishly dressed in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze – they truly have it all! With only 7 ingredients and 30 minutes from start to finish, crafting these hot honey glazed chicken tenders is remarkably easy.
I can’t get enough of these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders! Their crispy golden crust paired with the sticky hot honey glaze makes them utterly irresistible. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy will keep you coming back for more.
These homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and wholly addictive!
Let’s dive into how to prepare these hot honey chicken tenders!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Exceptionally crispy & juicy – These chicken tenders are remarkably tender due to a brief soak in buttermilk that boosts the meat’s natural tenderness. Shallow-frying them produces an impressively crunchy exterior. They’re simply delightful!
- Perfect for gatherings – These crispy hot honey chicken tenders are a hit at game days! They are undoubtedly the most requested finger food.
- Very easy – Just soak, dunk, fry, and drizzle with glaze. You’ll find making these hot honey chicken tenders incredibly straightforward!
- Homemade restaurant-quality food – If you’ve spotted hot honey chicken tenders on TikTok or at local eateries (like the popular Hot Honey Chicken Tender Sub at Publix), this recipe lets you replicate them at home, saving both money and effort!
Recipe Notes
This Hot Honey Chicken Tender recipe is indeed as simple as it claims! Just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes create a meal that’s perfect for the family.
In this section, I’ll share some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results while making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Be sure to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
Ingredients for the chicken:
- Chicken tenderloins – These are the tender cuts located underneath the chicken breast, typically available in well-stocked grocery stores.
- Buttermilk – A brief soak in buttermilk results in tender, juicy chicken, thanks to its lactic acid content. This step makes a significant difference!
- Flour – All-purpose flour is my go-to for a nice crispy coating.
- Paprika – This ingredient lends a mild peppery taste and a touch of sweetness to the chicken’s exterior.
- Salt & pepper
For the sauce to accompany your spicy honey chicken tenders:
- Honey – You will need 1/4 cup of your selected honey.
- Hot Sauce – Use your favorite brand! While I particularly like Frank’s Red Hot, Sriracha or Cholula are also excellent options.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Incorporate these for an extra kick of spice.
Don’t forget to check the recipe card at the end of this article for the full list of ingredients and precise measurements.
Recipe Variations
If you share our love for this recipe and desire some quick variations, these suggestions will be helpful!
- Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders – Add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the flour coating for a flavorful twist.
- Extra Hot Honey Chicken Tenders – For those who enjoy extra heat, opt for the hottest sauce you can find and double the amount of crushed red pepper flakes!
Recipe Step by Step
While I will outline a few key steps for this recipe, be sure to consult the recipe card below for comprehensive instructions on creating Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a dish with raised edges.
Pour the buttermilk over the chicken pieces and mix well to ensure all pieces are coated. Place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the batter and glaze.
In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
After allowing the tenderloins to marinate, remove them from the buttermilk and coat each piece thoroughly in flour.
Prepare the hot honey sauce by blending honey, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce in a bowl.
Drizzle the prepared hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken tenders.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken tenders until both sides are golden brown and fully cooked. Drizzle with the hot honey sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the spice level – If you like a milder hot honey, simply reduce the quantity of hot sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. On the flip side, add more if you desire an extra kick!
- Fry in a single layer – To prevent overcrowding the skillet, cook the chicken tenders in a single layer. This ensures they fry crisply rather than steam.
- Keep an eye on the cooking temperature – Since stove temperatures can vary, monitor the chicken as it cooks. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low to ensure thorough cooking.
- Have a paper towel-lined plate ready – Prepare a plate lined with paper towels for transferring the freshly fried chicken tenders, letting excess oil absorb.
Recipe Short Cut
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick tip to expedite your preparation!
- Prepare in advance – Mix up the sauce and coating beforehand to trim down preparation time. The sauce can be safely stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days, while the flour mixture can remain covered at room temperature until you’re ready to use it.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
This protein-rich dish draws inspiration from classic American flavors, making it an excellent companion for a variety of traditional side dishes.
Choose one or more of the following options to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal, encompassing both classic and lighter selections.
Side Dish Ideas
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Leftovers
If you have leftovers after cooking this dish, consider yourself in luck! They store and reheat beautifully, ideal for making another delicious meal.
To store leftovers properly, divide them into portion-sized servings and place them in an airtight container for storing:
- In the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- In the freezer
- Publix Hot Honey Chicken Tender Wrap – Recreate this favorite wrap by spreading mayonnaise on…Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of the article with minimal changes to the wording:
—
Start by taking a large flour tortilla and placing one or two hot honey chicken tenders at the center. Top with provolone cheese, slices of tomato, shredded lettuce, and banana peppers, along with a dash of salt and pepper. Roll it up and enjoy!
– **Chicken Tender Sub** – Chop up your leftover hot honey chicken tenders and fill a soft sub roll. These chicken tender subs are simply irresistible!
– **Chicken Tender Salad** – Dice the leftover tenders and place them atop a fresh bed of lettuce. Add red onion rings, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes, finishing with a drizzle of jalapeño ranch dressing.
– **Chicken Tender Quesadillas** – Place chopped chicken tenders on one side of a flour tortilla and add some provolone cheese slices. Fold the tortilla over and cook in a skillet until both sides turn golden brown. Serve with a side of sour cream.
—
## Recipe FAQs
### Should I soak chicken tenders in milk?
Soaking can make the chicken particularly tender and juicy, and buttermilk is an excellent option for this.### Is hot honey actually spicy?
That hinges on your personal heat tolerance as well as the specific hot honey you use! Generally, it includes a spicy aspect, and making it yourself allows you to customize the heat level to suit your taste.—
## Additional Simple Chicken Recipes
If this recipe intrigued you, I encourage you to explore more straightforward recipes for those busy nights!
You can check out all my **easy chicken recipes here**, or browse a selection of our readers’ favorite recipes below.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Enjoy these crispy chicken tenders coated in a hot honey glaze. They’re extremely easy to prepare, making them perfect for family dinners or game day events!
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 15 mins
Total Duration: 30 mins
6
### Ingredients
#### For the Hot Honey Drizzle
### Instructions
1. Soak the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Place them in the refrigerator while you prepare the coating and hot honey sauce.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the levels of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to fit your preferences. Set this mixture aside.
4. Remove the chicken tenderloins from the buttermilk and coat them generously on all sides with the flour mixture. Repeat for all pieces.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, roughly 4-5 minutes more. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.
**Tip:** Depending on your stove, you might want to reduce the heat to medium-low once the chicken is cooking to avoid burning the outside while the inside finishes cooking.
6. Continue cooking the remaining chicken, adding extra oil to the skillet as needed to prevent dry spots. After all the chicken is cooked, place it on a serving platter and drizzle hot honey over the pieces. Alternatively, serve the chicken and honey separately, allowing everyone to add their desired amount.### Recipe Notes
**Storage Tips:** Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
**Freezing Instructions:** Place cooked chicken tenders in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
**Reheating Instructions:** Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments, or cover with aluminum foil and heat in the oven.
**Scaling the Recipe:** This recipe is easily adjustable for larger gatherings—double it for parties or halve it for smaller portions. If doubling, consider using a larger skillet or cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.### Nutrition Facts
– **Calories:** 449 kcal (22%)
– **Carbohydrates:** 31 g (10%)
– **Protein:** 44 g (88%)
– **Fat:** 16 g (25%)
– **Saturated Fat:** 3 g (19%)
– **Polyunsaturated Fat:** 4 g
– **Monounsaturated Fat:** [data continues]
8
g
,
Trans Fat:
0.1
g
,
Cholesterol:
125
mg
(42%)
,
Sodium:
1067
mg
(46%)
,
Potassium:
844
mg
(24%)
,
Fiber:
2
g
(8%)
,
Sugar:
14
g
(16%)
,
Vitamin A:
1300
IU
(26%)
,
Vitamin C:
3
mg
(4%)
,
Calcium:
67
mg
(7%)
,
Iron:
2
mg
(11%)
Recipes for Leftovers
