Hot Honey Chicken Tenders (Printable)

Juicy, crispy chicken tenders coated in sweet-spicy hot honey glaze, ideal for family dinners or entertaining.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Breading

04 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
07 - 1 cup regular breadcrumbs
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Hot Honey Glaze

10 - 1/2 cup honey
11 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

→ Frying

14 - Vegetable oil, for frying

# Steps:

01 - Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season evenly on all sides with salt and black pepper.
02 - Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and smoked paprika mixed together.
03 - Dredge each chicken tender first in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
04 - Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer to a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches and heat to 350°F.
05 - Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
06 - Combine honey, hot sauce, unsalted butter, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently, stirring until butter melts and glaze is smooth.
07 - Toss the fried chicken tenders in the hot honey glaze until well coated. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy texture with every bite
  • Easy to customize the heat level to your preference
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have at home
  • Ready in under 45 minutes so perfect for busy weeknights
  • Fun to serve for kids and adults with sides or as sliders
02 -
  • High protein main dish that also satisfies a sweet and spicy craving
  • Can be made ahead and briefly reheated for gatherings
  • Doubles easily for feeding a group or meal prep
03 -
  • Do not rush pre-heating your oil as this is key to a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
  • Always use a thermometer for frying because consistent temperature means the coating will not fall off.
  • If you are doubling the recipe be sure to keep cooked tenders on a wire rack in a low oven so they stay crisp while you finish frying the rest.
  • Toss the chicken in glaze just before serving for the best texture.

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