Print

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

hot honey chicken tenders - featured image
Print Recipe

These Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the ultimate game day snack—juicy chicken strips coated in a shatteringly crisp crust and drizzled with a sweet-spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you crave comfort food with a bold twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil also work)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
  • Extra hot sauce, for drizzling (optional)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dip, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, slice into even 1-inch wide strips.
  2. Set up three breading stations: In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk. In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press into panko, ensuring the whole piece is coated. Transfer to a plate or rack. Repeat with all pieces.
  4. Pour 1 1/2–2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 350°F.
  5. Fry 4–5 tenders at a time, without overcrowding. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until deep golden and cooked through (165°F inside). Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
  6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add honey, hot sauce, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir and heat just until combined and warm—do not boil. Taste and adjust hot sauce as desired.
  7. Arrange hot chicken tenders on a platter. Drizzle generously with hot honey sauce or serve sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best crunch.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. For less spice, reduce or omit cayenne and hot sauce. Keep oil at 350°F for best results and fry in batches to avoid soggy tenders. Use a wire rack to keep tenders crispy. The hot honey sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or heat. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, hot honey, Super Bowl snack, crispy chicken, party food, game day, fried chicken, easy appetizer, spicy chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/crispy-hot-honey-chicken-tenders-best-easy-super-bowl-snack/