We’ve all craved that irresistible mix of sweet honey and fiery heat and our Honey Hot Tenders recipe nails it perfectly. Drawing from classic American comfort food traditions this dish features crispy tenders glazed in a bold sauce that’s both tangy and addictive.
It’s a crowd-pleaser we love sharing for weeknight dinners or parties. With simple ingredients and easy steps you’ll whip up a flavorful favorite that packs a punch and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
We gather fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft our irresistible Honey Hot Tenders, blending sweet honey with fiery heat for a crowd-pleasing dish. These components ensure a crispy exterior and a tangy sauce that elevates weeknight meals.
For the Tenders
To prepare the crispy tenders, we start with these essential items. Here’s the list, ordered by use in the coating and frying process:
- 1 pound chicken tenders: Fresh and boneless, patted dry for optimal crisping.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Sifted to remove lumps, used as the first coating layer.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten lightly in a bowl for the egg wash.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Preferably panko for extra crunch, seasoned with spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Added to the flour mixture for flavor enhancement.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Ground fresh and mixed into the breadcrumbs.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Smoked variety for a subtle depth of flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Enough for frying, heated to 350°F for golden results.
For the Honey Hot Sauce
- ½ cup honey: Pure and local, as the base for sweetness.
- ¼ cup hot sauce: Such as Frank’s RedHot, for that signature kick.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted to create a smooth emulsion.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: For a tangy acidity that balances the heat.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced finely and sautéed first for aromatic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Ground fresh, adjusted to taste for extra spice.
- Salt to taste: Added at the end to season the sauce perfectly.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Honey Hot Tenders to life with ease and precision, we recommend gathering the following essential equipment. This setup ensures a smooth cooking process from coating the tenders to simmering the sauce.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining flour, spices, and breadcrumbs to create the crispy coating for our tenders, allowing even mixing without spills.
- Whisk or fork: Perfect for beating eggs to achieve a smooth, uniform consistency that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere flawlessly.
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: A must-have for frying the tenders to golden perfection, providing ample space for even heat distribution and minimizing oil splatter.
- Baking sheet with wire rack (if baking instead of frying): Essential for achieving a crispy exterior in the oven, as the wire rack promotes air circulation around the tenders for optimal results.
- Tongs: Crucial for safely flipping and removing hot tenders from the pan, preventing burns and ensuring they cook evenly on all sides.
- Saucepan: Key for preparing our Honey Hot Sauce, where it allows the honey, hot sauce, and other ingredients to blend smoothly over gentle heat.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Fundamental for accurate measurements of ingredients like honey and spices, guaranteeing the balance of sweet and spicy flavors in every batch.
- Thermometer (optional but recommended): Useful for monitoring oil temperature during frying to hit the perfect 350°F, ensuring our tenders are crispy without being greasy.
With this equipment on hand, we’re all set to transition seamlessly from ingredients to preparation, making our Honey Hot Tenders a straightforward delight.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, let’s guide you through preparing our mouthwatering Honey Hot Tenders. We’ll break down the process step by step to ensure you achieve a crispy, golden exterior and a tantalizing sweet-spicy flavor that will delight your taste buds.
Prepare the Chicken
To start, we’ll coat the chicken tenders for that irresistible crunch. Begin by patting dry 1 pound of chicken tenders with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring even browning.
Follow these steps for the coating:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. This seasoned flour mixture creates a flavorful base that locks in juices.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons of water until fully blended, forming a smooth egg wash that helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
- In another bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Working one at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the coated tenders on a baking sheet to set, allowing the layers to bond for optimal crispiness.
Make the Sauce
Next, we’ll whip up our signature Honey Hot Sauce, blending sweet honey with fiery heat for a glossy, addictive glaze.
Gather these ingredients as outlined earlier and follow the steps:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, releasing an aromatic blend of garlic and butter.
- Stir in ½ cup of honey, ¼ cup of hot sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to combine into a smooth, vibrant sauce.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a rich, glossy sheen—picture the sweet honey balancing the spicy undertones for a truly irresistible taste.
Cook the Tenders
Now it’s time to cook the tenders to perfection, achieving a golden-brown exterior that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy inside.
If frying:
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (use a thermometer for accuracy). Carefully add the coated tenders in batches, frying for 4-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and turn a deep golden color.
- Remove the tenders with tongs and drain on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet, allowing excess oil to drip away while maintaining that fresh, crispy texture.
If baking (for a lighter option):
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with a wire rack. Arrange the coated tenders on the rack and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and reach 165°F internally.
- For added flavor, brush with a light oil spray before baking to enhance the irresistible crunch.
Assemble and Serve
Finally, we’ll bring it all together by coating the tenders in our Honey Hot Sauce for a sticky, flavorful finish that elevates every bite.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked tenders with the prepared sauce until evenly coated, ensuring each piece glistens with the sweet-spicy glaze that delivers a perfect harmony of flavors.
- Serve immediately on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color, alongside sides like coleslaw or fries to complement the tender’s juicy texture and bold taste. Enjoy the satisfying contrast of crisp exteriors against the warm, tangy sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
To make our Honey Hot Tenders even more convenient for busy schedules, we recommend preparing components in advance without compromising on that irresistible crispy texture and sweet-spicy flavor. This approach allows you to enjoy a quick assembly and cooking process later, perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.
Preparing the Chicken Tenders Ahead
We suggest breading the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance or even freezing them for longer storage. Start by following our coating steps from the preparation section—coat the tenders in the seasoned flour mixture, egg wash, and spiced breadcrumb coating as directed. Once coated, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch to prevent sticking. Flash-freeze them on the sheet for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. This method keeps the crispy exterior intact when you’re ready to cook.
Making the Honey Hot Sauce in Advance
Our signature Honey Hot Sauce is ideal for make-ahead preparation, as its flavors meld beautifully over time. Prepare the sauce as outlined earlier by combining honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. After simmering and thickening, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its glossy sheen and vibrant sweet-spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
For optimal results, proper storage is key to maintaining the dish’s appeal. If you’ve prepared the breaded tenders, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen tenders in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. To reheat cooked tenders, we advise using an oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes to recapture their golden-brown crunch—avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Here’s a quick reference for make-ahead timelines:
| Component | Preparation Window | Storage Method | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breaded Tenders | Up to 24 hours | Refrigerator or freezer | Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes |
| Honey Hot Sauce | Up to 5 days | Refrigerator | Warm on stovetop over low heat |
By incorporating these Make-Ahead Tips, we ensure your Honey Hot Tenders remain a crowd-pleasing favorite with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Honey Hot Tenders recipe with you, as it’s become one of our go-to favorites for its perfect blend of flavors. It’s not just a meal—it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together.
Try whipping it up for your next gathering, and you’ll see why it’s a staple in our kitchen. With a few simple steps, you’re set for delicious results every time. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Hot Tenders?
Honey Hot Tenders is a delicious American comfort food featuring crispy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy honey hot sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or parties, combining tangy flavors from honey, hot sauce, and spices for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare.
What ingredients are needed for Honey Hot Tenders?
You’ll need fresh chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices for the coating, plus honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper for the sauce. These high-quality ingredients ensure a crispy exterior and a flavorful, balanced taste.
How do I make the Honey Hot Sauce?
Combine honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Heat over medium until melted and well-mixed, then simmer briefly for the perfect sweet-spicy blend. This sauce takes just minutes and coats the tenders beautifully for an addictive finish.
Can I bake the tenders instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake for a healthier option. Preheat your oven, place breaded tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. This method reduces oil use while still delivering a crunchy texture and great flavor.
How can I prepare Honey Hot Tenders ahead of time?
Bread the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance or freeze for longer storage. Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready, fry or bake as directed. This helps save time for busy schedules without losing crispiness or taste.
Is Honey Hot Tenders spicy, and how can I adjust the heat?
It’s moderately spicy from hot sauce and cayenne, but you can easily adjust. Reduce cayenne or hot sauce for milder flavors, or add more for extra heat. Taste as you go to balance sweetness and spice, making it customizable for different preferences.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, whisk or fork, deep frying pan or Dutch oven (for frying), baking sheet with wire rack (for baking), tongs, saucepan, and measuring cups/spoons. A thermometer is helpful for oil temperature. This setup ensures smooth preparation and great results.