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
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