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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders (Better Than Takeout!)


  • Author: Alice Wellington
  • Total Time: 30 minutes active (plus marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the ultimate homemade comfort food — perfectly seasoned, extra crunchy, and drizzled with a sweet-spicy hot honey glaze that’s completely addictive. Juicy inside, golden and shatter-crisp outside, they’re better than takeout and made right in your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Breading

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Wet Batter

2 large eggs

¼ cup buttermilk

For the Hot Honey Glaze

½ cup honey

2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons butter

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For Frying

Neutral oil (like canola or vegetable), for frying


Instructions

  • Brine the Chicken:
    In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for extra flavor).

  • Mix the Breading:
    In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  • Prepare the Wet Batter:
    In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.

  • Dredge and Rest:
    Dip each chicken tender into the wet mixture, then coat thoroughly in the dry breading. Press gently to help the coating stick. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 15 minutes.

  • Fry the Chicken:
    Heat 2 inches of oil in a skillet to 375°F. Fry chicken in batches for 3½–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Drain on a wire rack.

  • Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
    In a small saucepan, melt butter, then stir in honey, hot sauce, cayenne, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until glossy.

  • Glaze and Serve:
    Drizzle the hot honey glaze over freshly fried tenders. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

For extra crispiness: Let breaded chicken rest before frying — this helps the coating set.

Milder version: Use less hot sauce and omit cayenne.

Baked option: Bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping once.

Air fryer version: Cook at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes to restore crispness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3 tenders)
  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, Crispy Fried Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Homemade Chicken Tenders, Easy Dinner Recipes