Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

These hot honey chicken tenders are all about maximum crunch and a sweet sticky heat. Double-dredged for an extra crisp bite then bathed in homemade hot honey sauce they have become a staple whenever my family gathers for game day or just wants comfort in a basket. The slow burn from cayenne and hot sauce is dialed to wake up your tastebuds but not blow them away and the honey drizzle means every bite is a happy mess. I find myself making a little extra hot honey just to pour on cornbread or roasted veggies later in the week.

I first made this on a lazy Sunday to surprise my kids after a soccer game It has since become our hands-down favorite comfort food and no one ever leaves leftovers behind

Ingredients

• Buttermilk: creates a tender juicy base for the chicken Choose whole buttermilk if you can for the richest flavor
• Kosher salt: enhances every layer and keeps the seasoning generous and bold Always check for fresh clean crystals with no stale odor
• Black pepper: brings warmth without overpowering the chicken Fresh cracked is best for a subtle bite
• Boneless skinless chicken tenders: cook quickly and stay moist Trim any tough bits for the best texture
• All-purpose flour: forms the crust and gives it a golden sturdy crunch Unbleached flour is best for flavor
• Cornstarch: guarantees the crunchiest crust and keeps the coating light Go for high quality so it is extra fine
• Garlic powder and onion powder: provide savory depth Make sure your jars are fresh for brightest flavor
• Smoked paprika: adds a subtle smoky element Spanish smoked paprika is ideal for authenticity
• Baking powder: gives the crust airy lift and keeps it from getting too dense
• Large eggs: help bind the coating and create another crispy layer
• Hot sauce: builds tang and heat Pick your family’s favorite for a personalized spin
• Honey: is the star of the sauce Floral honey adds extra complexity if you have it
• Cayenne pepper: gives gentle heat Taste as you go for your perfect spice level
• Vegetable oil or shortening: keeps frying clean and crisp Always use fresh oil for great results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Whisk together buttermilk salt and black pepper in a large bowl until totally smooth Submerge chicken tenders in the mixture turning to ensure every piece is coated completely Place in the fridge for at least thirty minutes and up to one hour This gently tenderizes the meat while infusing it with flavor

Prepare the Dredge Coatings:

In a medium bowl mix flour cornstarch garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika more salt baking powder and black pepper until well blended In a separate bowl whisk eggs with hot sauce and a big splash of water making sure the mixture is fully combined with no streaks or lumps

Coat the Chicken:

Lift each chicken tender out of the marinade letting excess drip off Dredge each in the flour mixture pressing so every crevice is covered Then dip fully into the egg and hot sauce mix Let excess drip off Return to the flour mixture pressing firmly so the coating really clings Place each piece on a wire rack while you coat the rest Let sit for fifteen minutes so the crust adheres

Make Hot Honey:

Add honey hot sauce cayenne and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan Set over medium-low heat and stir gently for ten to fifteen minutes The flavors will meld and the sauce will thicken slightly Set aside to cool It will continue to thicken as it sits

Fry the Chicken:

Pour a half inch of vegetable oil or shortening into a large deep skillet or cast iron pan Heat over medium-high until shimmering To test for readiness drop in a bit of flour If it sizzles the oil is ready Fry the chicken in batches about three minutes per side until golden crisp Using a wire rack for draining keeps pieces from getting soggy Sprinkle with more salt and keep warm in a low oven as you work

Finish and Serve:

Arrange crispy tenders on a platter and spoon the warm hot honey over every piece making sure they glisten Serve with extra sauce for dipping and enjoy while hot for maximum crunch

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Smoked paprika is always the ingredient I look forward to when making this The smoky aroma when it hits the oil makes my kitchen smell irresistible I will never forget the first time my family fought over the extra hot honey for their fries Now it is a must at every meal where this chicken appears

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Leave the hot honey off until after reheating for the crispest crust For reheating the oven or an air fryer works best at three hundred fifty degrees until hot and crunchy Microwaving will soften the crust and lose the magic

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of buttermilk stir a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice into regular milk and let it sit for five minutes to curdle No cornstarch use extra flour though the coating will be less crisp For a different sweetness try maple syrup in the sauce Use less cayenne for milder heat or swap in smoked chili flakes for complexity

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing with celery sticks just like wings Layer tenders into a soft roll with slaw for a sandwich Pile high on top of warm waffles for a weekend brunch treat My family loves these with a mix of dipping sauces and loads of extra hot honey on the side

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Cultural and Historical Context

Hot honey as a trend began popping up on pizza in the past decade but the combination of crispy chicken with sweet heat goes way back in Southern home cooking The use of double dredge frying always reminds me of traditional diners in the American South where that crackly golden crust is prized Some families swear by a splash of pickle juice in their marinade—feel free to add a bit for a tangy nod to tradition

Recipe FAQs

→ What creates the extra crisp crust on the chicken?

The double-dredge process using flour and cornstarch ensures a light, crunchy coating that fries evenly golden and shatteringly crisp.

→ How spicy is the honey glaze?

The glaze features a gentle, slow-building heat from cayenne and hot sauce, perfectly balancing warm spice with honey’s natural sweetness.

→ Can the heat level be customized?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred taste.

→ What’s the best method to reheat the chicken while keeping it crispy?

Reheating gently in an oven or air fryer preserves the crisp coating. Add the warm honey glaze fresh just before serving to maintain the texture and flavor.

→ Which dips complement this dish well?

A cool, creamy ranch dip offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy glaze, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

→ Why is marinating the chicken important?

Marinating in buttermilk with seasoning tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle flavor, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.