The Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is sweet, spicy and crispy. Each bite is crunchy and full of honey flavor. The golden coating and sticky sauce make it taste amazing.
You can eat it as a snack, appetizer or dinner. It is easy to make at home with simple ingredients. This recipe gives you the same taste as restaurant food but fresher.
The mix of spicy chili and sweet honey is perfect. Let’s learn how to make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
You will love this recipe because it tastes so good. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The sauce is sweet and spicy at the same time.
You can eat it with fries, salad or bread. It’s great for dinner, lunch or parties. Kids and adults both enjoy it. It’s simple, fast and fun to make.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Course or Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan
- Baking tray (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
- Oil for frying
For Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
2. Mix the Seasoned Flour
In a bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. This adds flavor to your coating.
3. Set Up Dipping Station
Beat eggs in one bowl. Put breadcrumbs in another bowl. You will dip the chicken in these bowls.
4. Coat the Chicken
First, dip the chicken in the flour mix. Then in the egg. Finally, coat it with breadcrumbs or cornflakes. Press gently so the crumbs stick well.
5. Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a pan and heat it on medium. Drop a small crumb in to check — if it sizzles, it’s ready.
6. Fry the Chicken
Put the coated chicken in hot oil. Fry for about 4–5 minutes on each side. Take them out when golden brown and crispy. Place them on paper towels to remove extra oil.
7. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter on low heat. Add honey and hot sauce. Stir well. Add chili flakes if you want it spicier. Heat for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
8. Toss the Chicken
Put the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over it. Mix gently until all pieces are shiny and coated.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with fries, salad or your favorite dip.
Tips to Make the Best Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- Use fresh chicken for juicy tenders.
- Do not fry too many at one time.
- Add more honey if you like it sweet.
- Add more hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- For a healthy version, bake or air fry them.
- Warm the sauce before mixing for a nice glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with ranch or honey mustard dip. Enjoy with fries, mashed potatoes or coleslaw. Perfect for lunch boxes or game nights. You can also eat them on waffles for a fun meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Keep leftovers in a closed box in the fridge.
- They stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer for 5–6 minutes.
- Do not microwave too long — they can get soggy.
- Keep the sauce separate if you plan to reheat later.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Health Benefits
Chicken has lots of protein that gives you energy. Honey is natural and full of good nutrients. Chili and paprika can help boost your metabolism. Homemade food has less oil and no extra chemicals. You can bake it for a lighter, healthier meal.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
- Oil for frying
For Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes optional
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
Mix the Seasoned Flour
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This adds flavor to your coating.
Set Up Dipping Station
- Beat eggs in one bowl. Put breadcrumbs in another bowl. You will dip the chicken in these bowls.
Coat the Chicken
- First, dip the chicken in the flour mix. Then in the egg. Finally, coat it with breadcrumbs or cornflakes. Press gently so the crumbs stick well.
Heat the Oil
- Pour oil into a pan and heat it on medium. Drop a small crumb in to check — if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Fry the Chicken
- Put the coated chicken in hot oil. Fry for about 4–5 minutes on each side. Take them out when golden brown and crispy. Place them on paper towels to remove extra oil.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter on low heat. Add honey and hot sauce. Stir well. Add chili flakes if you want it spicier. Heat for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
Toss the Chicken
- Put the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over it. Mix gently until all pieces are shiny and coated.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with fries, salad, or your favorite dip.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken for juicy tenders.
- Do not fry too many at one time.
- Add more honey if you like it sweet.
- Add more hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- For a healthy version, bake or air fry them.
- Warm the sauce before mixing for a nice glaze.
FAQs about Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, just cut it into strips before cooking.
2. Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, use less hot sauce or no chili flakes.
3. How do I make them crispy?
Coat well and fry until golden on medium heat.
4. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
5. What sauce goes best with it?
Ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard are great choices.
Final Thoughts
The Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is a real treat. It’s crispy, sweet, spicy, and full of flavor. You can make it at home in just 30 minutes.
Now you know how to make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders easily with simple ingredients. The sticky honey glaze makes every bite special.
Try this recipe once, and it will become your favorite. Serve it at dinner, parties or even lunch. Everyone will love it. So get your pan ready and make this tasty dish today!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!