Sweet, spicy, crunchy, and tender on the inside—these hot honey chicken tenders hit every craving.
🧄 Ingredients
For the Chicken
1½ lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Crispy Coating
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (key for extra crunch)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For Frying
Vegetable or peanut oil (for deep or shallow frying)
🔥 Hot Honey Sauce
½ cup honey
2–3 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s, Cholula, or your favorite)
1 tbsp butter
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional but amazing)
½ tsp apple cider vinegar (balances the sweetness)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (Don’t Skip This)
In a bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and all seasonings.
Add chicken tenders, cover, and marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 12 hours for ultra-juicy chicken).
2. Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices.
👉 Pro tip: Take 2 tablespoons of the marinade and mix it into the flour—this creates flaky, craggy bits = next-level crunch.
3. Bread the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off
Dredge firmly in the flour mixture
Press coating on well
Set coated tenders on a rack for 5 minutes (helps coating stick).
4. Fry Until Golden
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry in batches for 4–5 minutes per side
Until deep golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F (74°C)
Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels—keeps them crispy).
5. Make the Hot Honey
In a small saucepan over low heat:
Melt butter
Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar
Warm gently (don’t boil)
Taste and adjust heat or sweetness.
6. Sauce It Up
Drizzle hot honey over chicken or
Toss lightly for full coverage
Finish with flaky sea salt if you’re feeling fancy ✨
🍽️ Serving Ideas
With ranch or blue cheese
On a toasted brioche bun
Over waffles
With coleslaw or pickles for contrast
⭐ Pro Tips for THE BEST TENDERS
Cornstarch = crunch (don’t skip)
Let chicken rest after breading
Use a thermometer for perfect doneness
Warm honey sauce right before serving