Irresistibly Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders You’ll Crave Tonight

Spicy and sweet hot honey chicken tenders have taken the world of comfort food by storm.

These chicken pieces are cooked to a crispy golden-brown and offer a perfect mix of heat and sweetness in each bite.

Both people cooking at home and those crafting dishes in restaurants have embraced this exciting flavor combination that turns ordinary chicken tenders into something special.

The crunchy coating paired with hot honey creates a unique texture that draws in adventurous eaters.

With their spicy-sweet glaze, these crispy tenders bring a fresh twist to classic American dishes.

This dish’s rising fame is due to its delightful blend of crunch, spice, and gentle sweetness that satisfies various taste buds all at once.

Tips To Nail Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Customize Coating Thickness: Adjust flour quantity to control the breading's thickness and crispiness for your preferred texture.
• Boost Protein Crunch: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour alternatives to make the recipe suitable for low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Control Spice Level: Modify hot sauce and cayenne amounts to tailor the heat intensity according to personal preference or guest tolerance.
• Maximize Crispiness Hack: Ensure chicken pieces aren't touching on the baking sheet for even air circulation and maximum crispy edges.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken in seasoned mixture up to 24 hours in advance to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.

Save And Reheat Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in Oven: Restore crispiness by placing tenders on a baking sheet, covering loosely with foil, and warming at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, zap tenders on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, understanding they might lose some crunchiness.
• Freezing Tip: Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where they'll maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.

What Goes Well With Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Craft a Zesty Craft Beer Pairing: Hoppy IPA or blonde ale cuts through the spicy-sweet chicken, balancing heat with refreshing crispness and complementing the hot honey's complex flavor profile.
• Create a Cool Creamy Sidekick: Smooth blue cheese or ranch dressing provides a tangy, cooling counterpoint to the fiery chicken, offering a delightful temperature and taste contrast.
• Design a Bright Veggie Companion: Fresh cucumber salad or coleslaw with light vinaigrette adds crisp texture and acidic brightness, cutting through the richness and providing a clean palate cleanser between bites.
• Select a Smooth Beverage Match: Crisp white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc offers subtle sweetness and acidity that harmonizes with the hot honey's spicy-sweet notes.

Ways To Change Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for extra crunch and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap flour with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Use sugar-free hot sauce and replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup for low-carb coating.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Follow original recipe steps but cook chicken tenders in air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Shake basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast. Use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of dairy butter. Replace egg with plant-based milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for binding.

Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders FAQs

• Why is hot honey sauce different from regular honey sauce?

Hot honey sauce combines the sweetness of honey with spicy elements like hot sauce, cayenne, and chipotle chili powder, creating a complex, bold flavor that adds heat and depth to the crispy chicken tenders.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. The coating will still be crispy and flavorful while accommodating gluten-free dietary needs.

• How spicy will the chicken tenders be?

The spice level depends on the hot sauce and cayenne you use. If you prefer mild heat, use less hot sauce or cayenne, and choose a milder hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot for controlled spiciness.

• What makes the chicken tenders so crispy?

The combination of flour, parmesan cheese, and brushing with olive oil or melted butter before baking creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives these chicken tenders their signature crunch.

Top Reasons To Like Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Savor Quick Weeknight Magic: Perfect for busy families, these hot honey chicken tenders transform dinner into a hassle-free feast in just 30 minutes.
• Customize Flavor Explosion: Easily adjust spice levels by changing hot sauce amounts, making this recipe adaptable for mild-loving kids or heat-seeking adults.
• Restaurant-Quality Homemade Delight: Achieve crispy, golden tenders with professional-level taste using simple pantry ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Potential: Ideal for game nights, casual gatherings, or weekend family dinners, these tenders guarantee smiles and empty plates.

Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders Ingredients List

• Chicken Tenders: Juicy and tender meat, perfect for crispy coating, choose fresh, high-quality tenders for best results.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Provide deep savory flavor without adding moisture, use fresh and non-clumping varieties.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for basic seasoning, enhances overall taste profile.
• Smoked Paprika, Turmeric: Add complex flavor and warm color, select high-quality ground spices.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to the coating, use freshly grated for best texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy exterior and helps seasonings adhere, use unbleached flour for better texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and helps create golden crust, use room temperature egg for even coating.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Ensures extra crispiness and rich flavor, choose high-quality options.

• Honey, Hot Sauce: Provide sweet and spicy base for glaze, select good quality, flavorful brands.
• Cayenne, Chipotle Chili Powder: Adds heat and smoky complexity, adjust to personal spice preference.

• Green Onions, Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs for bright finish, choose crisp, vibrant greens.

Steps To Make Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss until chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Add First Coating

• Flour
• Parmesan cheese

Toss to create a light layer on the chicken.

Step 4: Create Wet Coating

• Beaten egg
• Hot sauce

Mix thoroughly to ensure complete chicken coverage.

Step 5: Final Dry Coating

• Remaining flour
• Smoked paprika
• Turmeric

Ensure each chicken piece is completely and evenly coated.

Step 6: Arrange and Prep for Baking

Spread chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil or melted butter for extra crispiness.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Craft Hot Honey Sauce

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Cayenne
• Chipotle chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Heat on low, avoiding boiling.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Drizzle warm hot honey sauce over chicken or serve as a dipping sauce. If sauce thickens, microwave for 5 seconds.

Step 10: Garnish and Enjoy

Top with chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley. Serve immediately and savor!

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders elevate classic comfort food with a spicy-sweet twist that dances between crisp breading and luscious honey glaze. Southern-style techniques merge with bold flavor profiles, promising a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 lbs (0.91 kg) boneless chicken tenders

Coating and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) + ½ cup (120 ml) flour
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) grated parmesan
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Wet Ingredients and Toppings:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) hot sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) honey
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) hot sauce
• 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• ¾ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
• Green onions, cilantro, or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to a scorching 450°F (230°C), positioning a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for the chicken transformation.
2. Introduce chicken to a flavor carnival, sprinkling onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper with enthusiastic tossing.
3. Dust the seasoned chicken with flour and parmesan, creating a preliminary coating that promises crunch and depth.
4. Baptize the chicken pieces in beaten egg and hot sauce, ensuring every morsel becomes thoroughly saturated with zesty potential.
5. Execute the final coating ritual by introducing remaining flour, smoked paprika, and turmeric, meticulously ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Strategically position chicken pieces on the baking sheet, maintaining generous spacing, then anoint with olive oil or melted butter to amplify the impending crispiness.
7. Roast in the heated oven for 15-20 minutes until the exterior achieves a golden, crackling perfection.
8. Meanwhile, craft the hot honey sauce by gently warming honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder over minimal heat, preserving the delicate flavor balance.
9. Liberate the crispy tenders from the oven and immediately drizzle with the warm honey sauce, or present the sauce separately for personalized dipping adventures.
10. Elevate the presentation by scattering chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley, transforming the dish into a vibrant culinary masterpiece ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by modifying hot sauce quantities to suit individual heat preferences.
• Swap chicken tenders with tofu or cauliflower florets for vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains crispy texture.
• Pat chicken thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and better flour adherence during coating process.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising recipe’s overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg