There’s something deeply comforting about biting into Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders, the crackle of the crust, the sweet heat of the glaze, and that juicy center. I first made them on a hectic Tuesday when all I craved was something crispy, spicy, and fast. These tenders hit the spot so hard, they instantly became a weeknight tradition.
Their crispy coating clings to every drizzle of hot honey, while the subtle smokiness from paprika and chili dances with your taste buds. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro to nail this recipe.
Here’s what they looked like right out of the fryer, glazed and glorious:
What Are Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders?
Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders are the ultimate mashup of spicy, sweet, and ultra-crispy comfort food. These aren’t your average chicken fingers, they’re marinated in buttermilk and spices, double-breaded for crunch, fried golden, and then drenched in a bold hot honey glaze that clings to every crevice.
It’s that sweet heat combo that makes them irresistible. The smoky kick from chili powder and cayenne balances beautifully with the rich sweetness of honey and a touch of garlic butter. Every bite starts with crunch and ends in a slow-building heat that keeps you coming back.
They’re perfect for casual dinners, game days, or whenever you need something bold and satisfying in under an hour. Serve them with a chilled hot honey ranch dip and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s anything but basic.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or heat lovers, these tenders check every box: crispy, juicy, spicy, and sweet, all in one delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders use simple pantry staples, bold spices, and a few flavor-boosting sauces to create the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness.
For the Marinade
- 8 chicken tenders
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2–3 tbsp Buffalo hot sauce
- 2 cups buttermilk
For the Breading
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2–3 tsp garlic powder
- 2–3 tsp onion powder
- 2–3 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2–3 tsp chili powder
- 2–3 tsp smoked paprika
For Frying
- Neutral oil for frying (about 2 quarts)
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ cup Original Hot Honey
- ¼ cup Sriracha Hot Honey
- ¼ cup hot sauce
For the Hot Honey Ranch Dip
- 3 tbsp truffle mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp Original Hot Honey
- 1 tbsp chili oil (just the oil)
- 1–2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1–2 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 2–3 tsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders
This recipe comes together in five clear steps. From marinating to the final glaze, each step builds big flavor and crunch.
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Buffalo hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for max tenderness.
2. Bread with Spiced Flour
In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and all spices. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. For extra crunch, dip again into marinade, then flour.
3. Fry Until Crispy
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Fry 3–4 tenders at a time for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F. Let them drain on a wire rack.
4. Coat in Hot Honey Glaze
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add smoked paprika, both hot honeys, and hot sauce. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes. Toss the warm fried tenders in the glaze until evenly coated.
5. Make the Cooling Ranch Dip
In a small bowl, whisk together truffle mayo, sour cream, hot honey, chili oil, hot sauce, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Chill until ready to serve.
Tips to Make Them Extra Crispy & Flavorful
Want your Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders to rival restaurant quality? These pro tips will take your tenders from good to truly irresistible.
Double Dip for Maximum Crunch
After the first breading, dip the tenders back into the marinade, then coat again in the spiced flour. This creates layers of crispy goodness that hold up perfectly when glazed, especially on Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders.
Use a Wire Rack After Frying
Cooling the chicken on a rack is key. Unlike paper towels that trap steam, this method keeps Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders ultra-crispy until the last bite.
Spice It Right
For maximum flavor, season both the marinade and the flour generously. That’s how you build bold Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders that don’t rely only on the glaze to shine.
Control the Oil Temperature
Maintaining 350°F ensures even browning and crispiness. Lower temperatures will soak the crust, which can ruin the signature crunch of your Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders.
Love crispy textures? Try our Crispy Chicken Burger Folded Wrap for another crunch fix that doesn’t miss.
Nutrition & Dietary Notes
Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders may not be diet food, but they’re worth every bite. Each portion delivers a perfect balance of indulgence and flavor, with about 450–500 calories per serving, mostly from the crispy breading and that sweet-spicy glaze.
Balance the Plate
Pair your Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with lighter sides like a green salad, grilled zucchini, or roasted carrots. This helps offset the richness and rounds out your meal without sacrificing satisfaction.
Make It Lighter
If you want to trim things down, air frying your Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders is a great option. You’ll keep the crunch while cutting excess oil. Swap in low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for the ranch dip, too.
Customize the Heat
The glaze can be tailored to your taste. Add more Original Hot Honey for sweetness, or double the Sriracha for a bold kick. However you tweak it, these Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders will still deliver that crispy, sticky magic.
For the ultimate cozy pairing, don’t miss our Smoked Mac and Cheese , the perfect comfort side for your Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders are crowd-pleasers by design. Their crispy coating and sticky glaze make them the perfect centerpiece for a variety of meals, whether it’s a casual dinner or a party spread.
Game Day Favorite
Serve Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders piled high on a platter with dipping sauces and cold drinks. Add some celery sticks or waffle fries and you’ve got instant fan food.
Weeknight Winner
Pair Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders with roasted veggies or a quick slaw for a balanced and satisfying weeknight meal that even picky eaters love.
Build a Bold Sandwich
Slide a few Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders into a toasted brioche bun with slaw and extra glaze. It’s crispy, sweet, spicy, and messy in the best way.
Want to go full comfort? Pair them with our cozy Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for the ultimate Southern-inspired combo.
Want more heat-packed ideas? Don’t miss our Smoked Chicken Legs & Thighs tutorial.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders are one of those recipes that hit every craving in one bite, crispy, sticky, spicy, and just sweet enough to keep you reaching for more. Whether you’re serving them up for family dinner, a casual hangout, or just treating yourself midweek, they deliver big satisfaction fast.
What makes these Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders so special is their balance: fiery glaze, rich breading, and that creamy dip to cool things down. And with ingredients you likely already have, there’s no reason not to give them a try tonight.
If this recipe hit the spot, don’t stop here! Browse our full collection of quick and crave-worthy recipes or join the conversation over on Facebook. We’re always cooking up something delicious.
FAQ
How do you make hot honey glaze for chicken?
To make the glaze for Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders, sauté garlic in melted butter, then stir in smoked paprika, Original Hot Honey, Sriracha Hot Honey, and hot sauce. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes and toss the tenders in while still hot.
How to make honey glazed chicken strips?
Start with seasoned, breaded chicken strips, fry them until golden, then coat them in a glaze made of hot honey, butter, and spices. These Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders are the ultimate sweet-and-spicy version.
Do you put honey on chicken before or after cooking?
Always glaze after cooking. For Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders, toss the fried tenders in the hot honey glaze while they’re still warm to help the sauce cling without burning during frying.
What hot sauce to use for hot honey?
You can use Buffalo sauce, Sriracha, or even a smoky chipotle hot sauce. For Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders, we love combining Original Hot Honey with a Sriracha-style kick for balanced flavor.
How to make a hot honey drizzle?
Mix hot sauce and honey (equal parts for balance), add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for extra heat. Drizzle it over your Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders just before serving for a glossy finish.
Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders made crispy, spicy-sweet, and juicy. Perfect for weeknights or game day.
Ingredients
8 chicken tenders
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
2–3 tbsp Buffalo hot sauce
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
2–3 tsp garlic powder
2–3 tsp onion powder
2–3 tsp cayenne pepper
2–3 tsp chili powder
2–3 tsp smoked paprika
Neutral oil for frying (about 2 quarts)
3 tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
¼ cup Original Hot Honey
¼ cup Sriracha Hot Honey
¼ cup hot sauce
3 tbsp truffle mayonnaise
3 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp Original Hot Honey
1 tbsp chili oil
1–2 tbsp hot sauce
1–2 tbsp ranch seasoning
2–3 tsp chopped fresh dill
1 tsp garlic powder
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt, to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for 2+ hours.
In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and spices. Dredge marinated tenders in flour, then double-dip if desired.
Heat oil to 350°F. Fry tenders in batches for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add smoked paprika, hot honeys, and hot sauce. Simmer and toss fried tenders in glaze.
Mix all ranch dip ingredients in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and chill before serving.
Notes
To keep them ultra crispy, let your Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders rest on a wire rack after frying. Air fry option: 400°F for 10–12 minutes flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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