Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious dish to serve at your next gathering or simply want an easy dinner idea for a busy weeknight, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the perfect choice! This recipe has become a family favorite in my home, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. The tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce makes for a satisfying treat that everyone will love.

These tenders are not just scrumptious—they’re also super easy to whip up. Whether you’re watching the big game with friends or preparing a cozy dinner for your family, this recipe fits right in. Let’s dive into why you’ll adore making these delightful bites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have these hot honey chicken tenders ready in just 26 minutes, making them perfect for any night of the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the combination of crispy chicken and sweet heat. It’s a dish that brings everyone together!
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a meal prep. They’re great any time!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, so when you’re ready to cook, it’s all set to go.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and the unique hot honey sauce creates an irresistible flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll gather:

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins (white tendon removed)
• 2 cups buttermilk

For the Coating

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/2 cup honey

For Frying

• Oil, for frying

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to some fun variations!

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it according to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breasts or even plant-based nuggets if you’re looking for a meat alternative.
• Adjust the heat: If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, use less hot sauce or choose a milder variety.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some crushed cornflakes with your flour mixture for an extra crispy coating!
• Switch up the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like BBQ or teriyaki for a unique twist.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. This spice blend gives our chicken tenders that delicious flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken tenderloins along with half of your spice blend into a bowl with buttermilk. Let this sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Marinating is key here—it helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.

Step 3: Set Up Your Coating Station

In a large brown paper bag or zippered plastic bag, mix together your flour, cornstarch, and remaining spices. This method makes coating the chicken easier and mess-free!

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender into your flour mixture after shaking off any excess buttermilk. Make sure every bit is well-coated—no flesh should be showing! If needed, repeat this step for extra crunch.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown

Heat oil in your frying pan to about 350 degrees F. Fry those coated tenders for about 3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. Place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make Your Hot Honey Sauce

While your chicken is cooking, combine hot sauce and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes while whisking until smooth. This simple sauce adds that sweet yet spicy kick we love!

Step 7: Coat & Enjoy!

Once your tenders are done frying, generously coat them with your hot honey sauce before serving. Enjoy these delightful bites fresh out of the pan!

And there you have it—delicious Hot Honey Chicken Tenders that are sure to impress!

Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Making the perfect hot honey chicken tenders is all about the little details that elevate the dish. Here are some handy tips to ensure your tenders are crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!

• Use fresh spices: Fresh spices pack a bigger flavor punch than older ones. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for too long, consider replacing them for a more vibrant taste.
• Double coat for crunch: For extra crispy chicken tenders, dip them in the flour mixture twice! This creates a thicker crust that seals in moisture and adds an irresistible crunch.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep your frying oil at a consistent 350°F. If it’s too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken cooks through; too low, and you’ll end up with greasy tenders.
• Rest after frying: Allow your cooked chicken tenders to rest on a wire rack rather than paper towels. This prevents steam from making them soggy and keeps them crispier for longer.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of hot sauce in your honey sauce to suit your heat preference. A milder version can be made by reducing the hot sauce or adding more honey for sweetness.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Serving up hot honey chicken tenders is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. With these ideas, you can create an inviting spread that will impress your family or guests!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the hot honey.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors and balances the sweetness of the sauce beautifully.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can add texture and visual appeal, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Creamy coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Sweet potato fries: Baked sweet potato fries are not only delicious but also bring a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the heat of the chicken.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn slathered in butter offers a sweet and buttery side that complements each bite of tender.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the richness of fried food.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade hot honey chicken tenders like never before! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These hot honey chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, crispy bites throughout the week without any fuss!

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Be sure to separate the sauce if you prefer a crunchier texture when reheating.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Transfer frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
• Alternatively, use an air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, but note that this may affect crispiness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making hot honey chicken tenders!

Can I use other types of chicken for hot honey chicken tenders?

Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts or thighs cut into strips. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on thickness.

How spicy are hot honey chicken tenders?

The spiciness mainly comes from the hot sauce used. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the recipe to suit your taste preferences—add more for extra heat!

What can I serve with hot honey chicken tenders?

These tenders pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. Feel free to get creative with dipping sauces too!

Can I make hot honey chicken tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these hot honey chicken tenders as I am! They’re not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or a fun gathering with friends. Enjoy making these tender delights, and don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!