Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

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Sweet, spicy, and totally addictive—this Hot Honey Chicken is crispy, juicy, and coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze that hits all the right notes. A little heat, a little sweet, and a whole lot of delicious! Perfect for weeknights, game days, or whenever you’re craving something bold and tasty.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders

If you love crispy, juicy chicken with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are about to become your new favorite!

The golden, crunchy coating gives way to tender, flavorful chicken, all drenched in a sticky, spicy honey glaze that’s downright irresistible. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to game-day snacks.

Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of Mac and Cheese, and watch them disappear—because once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Chicken tenderloins – The star of the show! These are naturally tender and perfect for coating in crispy goodness.
• Flour – Helps create a solid base for the breading to stick to the chicken.
• Seasoned salt – Adds extra flavor to the coating without being overpowering.
• Chili powder – Brings a mild kick of heat and depth of flavor.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the overall seasoning with a warm, savory touch.
• Eggs – Acts as a binder to help the breading stick.
• Milk – Mixed with the eggs to create a smooth coating for the breadcrumbs to adhere to.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Gives the tenders that extra crunch factor!
• Butter – Helps create a rich, glossy hot honey sauce.
• Honey – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the heat.
• Hot sauce – Brings the fiery kick! Choose your favorite hot sauce for the best flavor.
• Salt – A pinch to enhance and balance all the flavors in the sauce.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

[Step 1] Hot Honey Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the honey and hot sauce. Add salt to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

[Step 2] Chicken Tenders: In a shallow dish, combine together the flour, seasoned salt, chili powder, and garlic powder. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the milk and eggs. In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.

[Step 3] Working with 1 tenderloin at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture; dip in the egg mixture, turning to coat. Then dredge in panko crumbs. Repeat with remaining chicken tenderloins.

[Step 4] Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken tenders in the skillet. Pan-fry until cooked through and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

[Step 5] Remove the tenders and place on a paper towel–lined plate. Repeat frying procedure with remaining chicken tenderloins. Drizzle the hot honey sauce evenly over the chicken tenders.

Tips & Tricks

• Pat the chicken dry – This helps the breading stick better and prevents a soggy coating.
• Double-dip for extra crunch – Coat the chicken in flour, then egg, then back in flour or breadcrumbs for an extra crispy bite.
• Use panko for maximum crispiness – Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko gives the best crunch.
• Season every layer – Add seasoning to the flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs for the most flavorful tenders.
• Let the breaded chicken rest – Letting the coated tenders sit for 5–10 minutes before frying helps the breading stick.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches so the tenders cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Use a thermometer – Cook the chicken to 165°F (74°C) for juicy, perfectly done tenders.
• Toss in sauce right before serving – This keeps the coating crisp while still getting that sticky, sweet heat.
• Adjust the spice level – Add more or less hot sauce to customize the heat to your liking.
• Drizzle or dunk – If you want to keep some tenders crunchy, serve the hot honey sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

To store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat and keep them crispy, warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for about 8–10 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it’ll make them soggy! For the best flavor, drizzle or toss them in fresh hot honey sauce after reheating. 🔥🍯

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