As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I found myself yearning for a comforting yet exciting dish that would shake up our routine. That’s when I dusted off a bottle of hot honey perched in the back of my pantry—a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth that promised to transform ordinary chicken tenders into something extraordinary. With crispy exteriors and a luscious drizzle that boasts both heat and sweetness, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are sure to be a hit for the whole family.
Perfect for bustling weeknights or a casual gathering with friends, they strike the ideal balance between delicious comfort and bold flavor. Whether you choose to fry them for that satisfying crunch or bake them for a lighter twist, this recipe allows for customization to suit any palate. So, let’s dive into this flavor-packed adventure that makes homemade meals a joy rather than a chore!
Why are Hot Honey Chicken Tenders a Must-Try?
Crispy Perfection: These tenders feature a crunchy coating that locks in juices, making every bite satisfying.
Flavor Fusion: The unique blend of hot honey delivers an irresistible combination of sweet and spicy that elevates simple chicken to restaurant-level deliciousness.
Customizable Spice: Adjust the heat to match your family’s preferences, whether you like it mild or with a kick.
Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick yet impressive dish.
Family-Friendly: These tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike, turning mealtime into a delightful experience for everyone.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair with sides like cucumber salad or macaroni and cheese for a complete and satisfying meal everyone will love!
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Ingredients
For the Hot Honey
• Honey – Natural sweetness and the star flavor; feel free to substitute with agave syrup for a vegan option.
• Cider Vinegar – Provides acidity that balances the sweetness; white vinegar works as a suitable substitute.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds the kick to the honey sauce; adjust to your desired spice level or omit for a milder taste.
• Cayenne Pepper – Boosts the heat; use less for a milder sauce.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavors without overwhelming; sea salt is a great alternative if needed.
For the Chicken Coating
• Egg – Acts as a binder for the crispy coating; substitute with a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and flavor—regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice can work in a pinch.
• All-Purpose Flour – Creates structure for a crunchy exterior; opt for a gluten-free flour blend if preferred.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Pepper, Paprika, Dried Thyme – Seasonings for added flavor; Italian seasoning makes a nice swap for a different profile.
For the Chicken Tenders
• Chicken Tenderloins – The main ingredient; ensure uniformity for even cooking, or use chicken breasts sliced into strips.
• Oil for Frying – Needed for frying; vegetable or canola oil are ideal choices.
With all these delicious ingredients, your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders will be nothing short of amazing! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make comfort food classic!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
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Prepare Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, combine honey, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Simmer for about 5 minutes until everything melds together, then let it cool and strain if desired.
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Prep Chicken Coating: In one shallow dish, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. In another dish, mix the flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, paprika, and thyme for a flavorful coating.
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Coat Chicken: Take each tenderloin, dip it in the egg mixture first, ensuring it’s well coated, and then roll it in the flour mixture. Make sure the tenders are evenly coated, then set them aside on a plate.
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Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. Carefully add the chicken tenders, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a golden brown and are cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
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Serve: Drizzle the delicious hot honey over the fried tenders and serve them with a side of the remaining hot honey for dipping.
Optional: Serve with a refreshing cucumber salad for a perfect contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Fridge: Store leftover hot honey chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked chicken tenders before frying for up to 3 months. Flash freeze them first on a baking sheet to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating: To reheat, place the tenders in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.
Make-Ahead Tip: The hot honey can be made in advance and stored in a jar at room temperature for easy drizzling over your hot honey chicken tenders!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
To create a delightful meal that complements the sweet and spicy magic of your chicken tenders, consider these perfect pairings.
- Crispy Coleslaw: A refreshing mix of crunchy cabbage and carrots adds a cool crunch that balances the heat.
- Savory Macaroni and Cheese: The creamy richness enhances the tender’s textures and pairs deliciously with the hot honey’s sweetness.
- Fresh Cucumber Salad: Light and zesty, this salad provides a cooling contrast, cutting through the rich flavors of the fried chicken.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and buttery, these muffins offer a comfortable bite that harmonizes beautifully with the spicy tenders.
- Fruit Salad: Seasonal fresh fruits bring a burst of sweetness that echoes the honey drizzle, creating a delightful, refreshing contrast.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crunchy and slightly sweet, these fries provide a hearty side that pairs well with the bold flavors of the chicken.
- Tangy BBQ Sauce: For those who love extra flavor, a side of BBQ sauce creates a tasty dip, adding another layer of complexity to each bite.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages to cool down the spice and complement the sweetness of the hot honey.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: End on a sweet note with warm cookies that form a perfect sweet bookend to your meal.
These pairings not only enhance your experience but also add an array of delightful textures and flavors to your dining table!
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a fantastic option for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the hot honey sauce up to 3 days in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can coat the chicken tenderloins and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours to save time during the week. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat your oil and fry the chicken tenders as directed until golden brown. This method will ensure everything stays just as delicious, while streamlining your busy weeknight dinners. Don’t forget, to maintain quality, avoid frying until you’re ready to serve for that perfect crunch!
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Variations
Invite your taste buds to explore delightful twists on this classic recipe!
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Air-Fried: For a lighter option, air fry the coated chicken tenders instead of deep-frying for that same beloved crunch.
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Spicy Garlic: Add minced garlic to the hot honey mixture. This elevates the flavor profile with aromatic richness and depth.
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Herb-Infused: Consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the flour coating for an aromatic, earthy twist.
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Buffalo Style: Replace the hot honey drizzle with buffalo sauce for a bold, tangy flavor explosion that heat lovers will adore.
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Honey Mustard Combo: Blend equal parts hot honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tenders.
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Sweet and Sour: Use a mix of honey and soy sauce for a delightful Asian-inspired dip, giving you a unique flavor journey with every bite.
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Tropical Heat: Incorporate a splash of pineapple juice into the hot honey for a fruity twist that balances the spice.
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Chili Lime: Add lime zest and a sprinkle of chili powder to the flour mixture for a zesty twist that screams summertime!
Feel free to mix and match these variations for a fun and exciting dining experience the whole family will crave!
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
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Temperature Control: Always ensure your oil is at 375°F for perfect frying. Too low results in greasy tenders, while too high can burn them.
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Coating Technique: Double dip your chicken tenders for an extra crispy coating. After the egg wash, give them a second roll in the flour mix for maximum crunch!
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Storage Know-How: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispy texture.
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Spice Adjustments: Feel free to modify the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne to suit your family’s taste. You might fall in love with the heat!
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Make-Ahead Option: Prep the hot honey ahead of time and store it in a jar at room temperature. This allows for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
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Serve Creatively: Experiment with different dipping sauces alongside your hot honey chicken tenders. A yogurt-based dip balances the heat beautifully!
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQs
What type of honey should I use for this recipe?
You’ll want to use a good quality honey that brings natural sweetness to the party! I personally love using wildflower honey for its robust flavor, but any pure honey will work. If you need a vegan alternative, agave syrup is an excellent substitute that still gives you that sweet kick.
How should I store leftover hot honey chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Once completely cooled, store your leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for reheating. I often recommend using a paper towel to line the container’s bottom to absorb extra moisture.
Can I freeze hot honey chicken tenders?
Yes, you can! First, flash freeze the uncooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours until they are firm. Then, transfer them into a freezer bag where they can last up to 3 months. This way, you can pull out exact portions whenever the craving strikes!
What if my chicken tenders are not crispy after frying?
If your tenders aren’t crispy, it could be due to the oil temperature. Make sure the oil is hot enough—around 375°F—before adding the chicken. Also, double-coating the tenders can boost their crunch. Simply dip them twice in the egg and flour mixture for extra crispiness!
Can I adjust the spice level in the hot honey?
Very much! You can tailor the spice to your preference by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper in the honey sauce. Start with less if you prefer milder heat and gradually add more until you achieve that perfect kick.
Are there any dietary considerations for these chicken tenders?
Indeed! If anyone in your family has allergies, you can easily modify this recipe. For gluten-free needs, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, for a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg and use non-dairy milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Simmer for about 5 minutes until everything melds together, then let it cool and strain if desired.
- In one shallow dish, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. In another dish, mix the flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, paprika, and thyme for a flavorful coating.
- Take each tenderloin, dip it in the egg mixture first, ensuring it's well coated, and then roll it in the flour mixture. Set them aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. Carefully add the chicken tenders, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a golden brown and are cooked through.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the fried tenders and serve with a side of the remaining hot honey for dipping.