These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are both juicy and crispy, generously coated in a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce – they really have it all! With just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes from start to finish, making these hot honey glazed chicken tenders is incredibly straightforward.
I can’t get enough of these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders! With their crispy golden exterior and the sticky hot honey glaze, they are irresistible. The delightful combination of sweetness and spiciness will leave you wanting more.
These homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and totally addictive!
Let’s get into the details of preparing these hot honey chicken tenders!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Incredibly crispy & juicy – These chicken tenders are exceptionally tender thanks to a quick soak in buttermilk that enhances the meat’s natural tenderness. They are then shallow-fried to achieve a super crispy coating. They are simply amazing!
- Ideal for gatherings – These crispy hot honey chicken tenders are a favorite at game days! They are by far the most requested finger food.
- Very simple – Just soak, dunk, fry, and drizzle with glaze. Making these hot honey chicken tenders is incredibly easy!
- Homemade restaurant-style food – If you’ve seen hot honey chicken tenders on TikTok or at local restaurants (like the popular Hot Honey Chicken Tender Sub at Publix), this recipe allows you to recreate them at home, saving both money and time!
Recipe Notes
This Hot Honey Chicken Tender recipe is indeed as simple as advertised! Just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes yield a meal that’s perfect for the family.
In this section, I will share a few tips and tricks to ensure you get the best possible results when making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Be sure to scroll to the end for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the chicken:
- Chicken tenderloins – These are the tender cuts from the underside of the chicken breast, readily available in most well-stocked grocery stores.
- Buttermilk – A short soak in buttermilk yields tender, juicy chicken thanks to its lactic acid content. It’s a worthwhile step that makes a difference!
- Flour – I prefer all-purpose flour for the crisp coating.
- Paprika – This adds a mildly peppery flavor.
- Salt & pepper
- Cooking oil – Select your preferred cooking oil. Vegetable oil is an excellent option, while canola or peanut oil are also suitable choices.
and a hint of sweetness to the exterior of the chicken.
For the spicy honey chicken tender sauce:
- Honey – You will require 1/4 cup of your chosen honey.
- Hot sauce – Pick your favorite variety! I particularly enjoy Frank’s Red Hot, but Sriracha or Cholula are also fantastic alternatives.
- Red pepper flakes – Add these for an additional burst of spicy flavor.
Be sure to check the recipe card at the end of this post for the complete ingredient list and measurements.
Recipe Variations
If you’re as fond of this recipe as we are and would like some quick options for variations, these tips will help!
- Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders– Mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder into the flour coating for a garlicky flavor twist.
- Extra Hot Honey Chicken Tenders– For those who crave heat, use the spiciest sauce available and double the crushed red pepper flakes!
Recipe Step by Step
Here, I will outline a few essential steps for the recipe, but be sure to refer to the recipe card below for detailed instructions on how to prepare Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a dish with elevated sides.
Drizzle the buttermilk over the chicken and mix to ensure thorough coverage. Place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the coating and glaze.
In a separate dish or medium bowl, mix the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper together.
After marinating, take the tenderloins out of the buttermilk and thoroughly coat them in flour on all sides.
Prepare the hot honey sauce by mixing honey, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce together in a bowl.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken tenders on both sides until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Drizzle with hot honey sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Customize the spice level – If you prefer a milder hot honey, simply decrease the amount of hot sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, add more if you enjoy a spicier flavor!
- Fry in a single layer – Avoid overcrowding the skillet with chicken tenders, as this can cause them to steam instead of fry. For the crispiest tenders, cook them in a single layer.
- Monitor the cooking temperature – Since stove temperatures can vary, keep an eye on your chicken as it cooks. If it begins to brown too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low to ensure the inside cooks thoroughly.
- Prepare a paper towel-lined plate – Have a plate ready lined with paper towels to transfer the freshly fried chicken tenders, allowing excess oil to be absorbed.
Recipe Short Cut
If you’re in a rush, here’s a time-saving tip to speed up this recipe!
- Prepare in advance – Mix the sauce and coating ahead of time to save a few minutes on prep. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days, and the flour mixture can be kept covered on the countertop until ready to use.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
As this protein-rich dish embodies the flavors of classic American cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of your favorite traditional side dishes.
Select one or more from these options to create a wholesome and balanced meal, featuring both classic and lighter choices.
Side Dish Ideas
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers after preparing this dish, consider yourself fortunate! They can be stored and reheated well, perfect for creating another tasty meal.
To properly save leftovers, divide them into portion-sized servings, and place in an airtight container for storage:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer
- Publix Hot Honey Chicken Tender Wrap – Recreate this beloved wrap by spreading mayonnaise on a large flour tortilla and placing one or two hot honey chicken tenders in the center. Add provolone, tomato slices, shredded lettuce, banana peppers, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Roll it up and savor!
- Chicken Tender Sub – Dice up your remaining hot honey chicken tenders and stuff them into a soft sub roll for these delicious chicken tender subs. Simply irresistible!
- Chicken Tender Salad – Chop leftover tenders and pile them on a bed of fresh lettuce. Garnish with red onion rings, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes. Finish with a drizzle of jalapeño ranch dressing.
- Chicken Tender Quesadillas – Spread chopped chicken tenders on one side of a flour tortilla and top with a few slices of Provolone cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a skillet until both sides are golden brown. Serve with sour cream.
Recipes for Leftovers
Utilize your leftovers with these creative and tasty ideas!
Recipe FAQs
Should I soak chicken tenders in milk?
For particularly tender and juicy chicken, I recommend it! Buttermilk is the best choice for soaking chicken.
Is hot honey actually spicy?
That depends on your personal spice tolerance and the specific hot honey used! Typically, it does have a spicy element. One of the benefits of making it at home is the ability to adjust the spice level to your liking.
Additional Simple Chicken Recipes
If you found this recipe appealing, I hope you’ll take a look at more simple recipes for those hectic evenings!
You can explore all of my easy chicken recipes here, or check out a selection of our readers’ top recipes below.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Indulge in these deliciously crisp chicken tenders drizzled with a hot honey sauce. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a favorite for family dinners or game day gatherings!
Ingredients
For the hot honey drizzle
Instructions
Soak chicken tenderloins in buttermilk, ensuring they’re well coated. Refrigerate while you prepare the coating and hot honey sauce.
Combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
In a separate small bowl, mix together honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Set aside.
Remove chicken tenderloins from buttermilk and generously coat them on all sides with the flour mixture. Continue until all pieces are coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 4-5 minutes more.Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.TIP: Depending on your stovetop, you may want to lower the heat to medium-low once the chicken is in to prevent the outside from burning while the inside cooks through.
- Continue cooking the remaining chicken, adding more oil to the skillet as necessary to avoid dry spots.Once all the chicken is prepared, arrange it on a platter and drizzle the hot honey over the pieces. Alternatively, serve the chicken separately so that everyone can add their desired amount of honey.
Recipe Notes
Freezing Instructions: Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or cover with tin foil and heat in the oven.
Scaling the Recipe: This recipe can be easily adjusted for larger groups—double it for parties or cut it in half for smaller servings. If doubling, use a larger skillet or cook in batches to prevent crowding.
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:
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%)
