Hot Honey Chicken

There is something endlessly satisfying about biting into extra crispy chicken tenders, but when you lace them with a glossy sweet-hot honey drizzle, every piece becomes an event. Over countless game days and family movie nights, these hot honey chicken tenders have stolen the spotlight. The double dredge coating turns shatteringly crisp, the spice walks the perfect line between bold and balanced, and once you taste that homemade hot honey, you will start finding excuses just to make the sauce.

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 pepper’s 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’s primary structure Look for a unbleached variety for a richer golden coat
• Cornstarch: guarantees the crunchiest crust and keeps the coating light High quality cornstarch is very fine and smooth
• Garlic powder and onion powder: provide an aromatic savory boost Make sure your jars are fresh for the brightest flavor
• Smoked paprika: adds a layer of smoky depth Opt for Spanish smoked paprika for an authentic note
• Baking powder: gives the crust an airy lift and prevents denseness
• Large eggs: help the coating stick and create an additional outer crunch
• Hot sauce: gives the coating extra tang and spice Use your favorite for a personalized touch
• Honey: is the star for the hot honey sauce Choose a floral or wildflower honey for complexity
• Cayenne pepper: brings a controlled slow burn Taste-test before adding extra
• Vegetable oil or shortening: ensures thorough crisp frying Fresh clean oil yields the best color and prevents any off flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Whisk buttermilk salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth Then submerge the chicken tenders in the mixture and turn to completely coat Refrigerate at least thirty minutes and up to one hour The buttermilk gently tenderizes while infusing with flavor

Prepare the Dredge Coatings:

Mix flour cornstarch garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt baking powder and black pepper thoroughly in a medium bowl In another bowl whisk eggs with hot sauce and a splash of water Make sure no unmixed bits remain

Coat the Chicken:

Take each chicken piece from the marinade letting excess drip away Roll it thoroughly in the flour mixture so every surface is packed well Do not worry if little clumps form from the marinade—these make extra crispy bits Dip in the egg mixture to coat entirely then dredge again in the flour Press gently and place the finished pieces on a wire rack Continue with all pieces and let them stand about fifteen minutes for the coating to adhere

Make Hot Honey:

Combine honey hot sauce cayenne and salt in a small saucepan Warm gently over medium-low for ten to fifteen minutes stirring occasionally to let all flavors blend Remove from heat and leave aside to cool The sauce will thicken as it sits

Fry the Chicken:

Fill a large deep skillet or cast iron pan with a half inch of vegetable oil or shortening Heat over medium-high until shimmering Test by dropping in a bit of flour—it should sizzle Add chicken in batches cooking on each side about three minutes until golden and crisp Remove to a wire rack to drain Sprinkle with a little salt and keep warm in a low oven

Finish and Serve:

Drizzle freshly fried chicken with warm hot honey making sure each piece is glossy Use extra sauce for dipping and serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor

Save

You Must Know

• High protein and kid friendly crowd pleaser
• Crust stays crisp even as the chicken cools
• The hot honey sauce is delicious on other foods like biscuits or roasted veggies

Smoked paprika is by far my favorite ingredient in this recipe It gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor that lifts the whole bite I still remember my son begging for the extra sauce to dunk his fries and now hot honey goes on everything from breakfast eggs to popcorn

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results do not drizzle the reserved pieces with hot honey until after reheating To reheat bake in a three hundred fifty degree oven or use an air fryer until hot and crisp never microwave which makes them soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

No buttermilk use whole milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice Let sit for five minutes for the same tenderizing effect If you do not have cornstarch replace with extra flour but the crust will not be quite as crunchy Prefer milder flavor halve or skip the cayenne pepper For the hot honey sauce try maple syrup instead of honey for a different twist

Serving Suggestions

Piled high with a side of homemade ranch or blue cheese dip and crunchy celery sticks these feel just like your favorite wings Try them on a sandwich with slaw or layer over waffles for an epic brunch Many in my family dunk them in extra hot honey or mix up dipping sauces to suit their mood

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives the chicken its extra crunch?

Double dredging the chicken in a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, along with spices, creates a light, crispy coating that fries up beautifully golden.

→ How spicy is the honey glaze?

The glaze has a slow-build heat from cayenne and hot sauce, offering warmth without overpowering the sweetness of the honey.

→ Can the spice level be adjusted?

Yes, you can reduce cayenne pepper for milder heat or add more for a stronger kick, tailoring the sauce to your taste.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven to retain crispness, adding the honey glaze just before serving to keep it fresh and saucy.

→ What dips pair well with this dish?

A cool, creamy ranch dip balances the sweet heat of the honey glaze, providing a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.

→ Is marinating the chicken necessary?

Marinating the tenders in buttermilk with salt and pepper helps tenderize and flavors the meat, enhancing the overall texture and taste.