These crispy hot honey chicken tenders are everything you crave in a takeout-style dinner—golden, crunchy, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. They’re perfect for family dinners because you can serve them plain for kids and toss them in the bold hot honey sauce for adults. Pair them with fluffy white rice, fries, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken tenders are irresistibly crispy thanks to a seasoned flour coating and crunchy panko crumbs. The hot honey sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and heat, making each bite flavorful without being overwhelming.

You’ll love how simple the dredging process is, and how quickly the tenders cook. They’re ideal for weeknight dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. Plus, you can easily control the spice level, making this recipe flexible for both kids and adults.

The ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the technique is straightforward, even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenders:
1.5 pounds chicken tenders
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 large eggs
2 cups plain homestyle panko crumbs

Hot honey sauce:
½ cup honey
¼ cup hot sauce

Neutral oil for frying (about 1 to 1½ cups, enough to fill ¼ inch in the pan)

Directions

Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and ensures crispier results.

Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, add the panko crumbs.

Heat about ¼ inch of neutral oil in a wide skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat. The oil should reach halfway up the thickness of the chicken tenders. Allow the oil to heat gradually to avoid burning the coating.

Dredge each chicken tender by first coating it in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko crumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well. Place the coated tenders on a wire rack while you finish dredging the rest.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and hot sauce until fully combined. Toss the warm chicken tenders in the hot honey sauce until evenly coated, or brush the sauce over the top for lighter coverage. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Variations

For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce to 2 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the sauce for a smoother finish.

For extra heat, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the hot sauce to ⅓ cup.

You can also add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the flour for a subtle smoky flavor.

If you prefer baking, place the breaded tenders on a greased baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For an air fryer version, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway and lightly spraying with oil for crispiness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken tenders and hot honey sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the tenders on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid covering them, as this can make the coating soggy.

Reheat the sauce separately in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if needed, then toss with the warmed tenders just before serving.

For best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may soften the crust.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?

Yes. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray with oil to help them crisp up.

Can I adjust the spice level of the hot honey sauce?

Absolutely. Reduce the hot sauce for a milder flavor or increase it for more heat. You can also mix in a little melted butter to mellow the spice.

Do I have to use panko crumbs?

Panko provides extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used. The texture will be slightly less crispy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Fry the tenders and store them separately from the sauce. Reheat in the oven and toss with sauce just before serving.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The exterior should be golden brown and crisp.

Can I freeze the cooked tenders?

Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Yes. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into evenly sized strips and follow the same coating and cooking method.

What can I serve with hot honey chicken tenders?

They pair well with white rice, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or fries.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Simply double all ingredients and fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Crispy hot honey chicken tenders deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen. With their crunchy coating and perfectly balanced sweet-and-spicy glaze, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether served plain for kids or fully coated in hot honey for bold flavor lovers, this recipe offers versatility, simplicity, and unforgettable taste in every bite.

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