There’s something magical about gathering around the kitchen table with loved ones, sharing a platter of freshly fried chicken tenders glistening with a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders remind me of summer evenings in my grandma’s backyard, where plates of finger-licking comfort food brought everyone together. I remember the sound of oil gently sizzling in the pan as she fried each tender with care, her secret honey drizzle warming over the stove, waiting to coat the golden bites just before serving

This dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s about nostalgia, tradition, and togetherness. Whether you’re serving these crispy tenders at a family picnic, a game-day gathering, or a cozy dinner at home, they’re bound to steal the show. The sweet heat of the honey glaze pairs beautifully with the crunchy exterior, creating an unforgettable bite that dances between comforting and bold.

In the South, honey and fried chicken have long shared a plate. This recipe honors that pairing but turns up the heat just a notch, bringing modern flair to a timeless favorite. And the best part? These hot honey chicken tenders are easy to make at home—no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Spicy Balance: The perfect harmony of sticky honey and fiery hot sauce.
• Crispy, Crunchy Perfection: Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch thanks to a well-seasoned flour coating.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults; mild enough to enjoy but easily customizable for more heat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as a main dish, appetizer, or party platter.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins, white tendon removed
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup hot sauce

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Bringing these hot honey chicken tenders to life is simple, but each step adds to the layers of flavor and texture that make them so irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   Growing up, we always started with a good soak in buttermilk. Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with a slight tang that balances the glaze later.
2. Prepare the Coating
   While the chicken marinates, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. I always loved helping my mom mix this blend, watching the spices swirl into the flour.
3. Coat the Chicken
   Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. For an extra-crispy finish, you can dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk and dredge again in the flour—a double dip that guarantees crunch.
4. Heat the Oil
   In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Be patient; the right oil temperature is key for that golden crust.

1. Fry the Chicken
   Carefully lower the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid crowding. Fry for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Stir gently until warm and well blended, about 2–3 minutes. The aroma of the sweet honey mingling with the heat of the sauce will fill your kitchen—it’s pure joy.
3. Glaze the Chicken
   Transfer the fried chicken tenders to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over them and toss gently to coat every piece. Watching the golden tenders shimmer under the glaze always makes me smile.
4. Serve and Enjoy
   Arrange the glazed tenders on a serving platter. They’re best enjoyed warm, when the coating is still crispy and the sauce perfectly sticky.

Helpful Tips

• Keep the Oil Hot: A thermometer helps keep the frying temperature steady at 350°F for crispy results.
• Customize the Heat: Add more or less hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
• Double Dredge for Crunch: Dip in buttermilk and flour twice for an extra crispy bite.

Details

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including marinating)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Notes

• Plan Ahead: You can marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
• Baking Option: Bake coated tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes if you prefer not to fry.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Sugar: 15g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A: Yes, slice chicken breasts into strips to substitute for tenderloins.

Q: Can I air-fry the chicken?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to keep them crispy.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover hot honey chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed these hot honey chicken tenders, try:

• Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
• Sweet and Sticky Chicken Strips
• Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
• Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Conclusion

These hot honey chicken tenders are more than just a meal—they’re a memory in every bite. Whether you’re recreating a cherished family dish or making them for the first time, their sweet and spicy charm never fails to delight. Bring a little warmth, a little heat, and a whole lot of love to your table with this irresistible recipe.

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