Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders – Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy

There’s something special about homemade crispy chicken tenders especially when they’re coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy exterior, only to be met with tender, juicy chicken inside, perfectly balanced with a kick of heat and a drizzle of rich honey. Whether you’re making these for a weekend treat, a game-day snack, or just because you’re craving something incredible, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

These homemade hot honey chicken tenders are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. No need to rely on takeout when you can whip up this flavor-packed dish in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Recipe Overview

This recipe takes classic chicken tenders and elevates them with a crispy, seasoned coating and a bold, homemade hot honey glaze. The balance of heat and sweetness makes them completely irresistible. You’ll start by marinating the chicken to keep it extra juicy, then coat and fry it to golden perfection. Finally, you’ll toss the tenders in a rich honey-based sauce with just the right amount of spice. The result? A perfect crunch, a sticky glaze, and a flavor explosion in every bite.

These tenders are great as a main dish, appetizer, or even stuffed into a sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. Plus, they can easily be customized to your preferred spice level, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb (500g) chicken tenders
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 cup plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

½ cup honey
2 teaspoons chili flakes
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, salt, paprika, turmeric, crushed garlic, and dried thyme. Mix well to create a thick marinade. Add the chicken tenders and coat them evenly. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator) for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain their crunch.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is frying, heat the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the chili flakes and lemon juice, letting the mixture warm up for about 2 minutes. Do not boil—just heat it enough to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Once the tenders have cooled slightly, drizzle or toss them in the hot honey sauce until they’re beautifully glazed. Serve immediately while crispy and warm.

Cooking Tips for a Perfect Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Marinate for Extra Flavor – The longer you let the chicken sit in the yogurt marinade, the juicier and more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is ideal for the best texture.
Use a Thermometer for Perfect Frying – Keep your oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) to achieve crispy tenders without them absorbing too much oil.
Double Dredge for Extra Crunch – For an even crispier texture, dip the chicken back into the marinade and then into the flour again before frying.
Don’t Skip the Wire Rack – Draining on a paper towel can make tenders soggy. A wire rack ensures they stay crunchy.
Adjust the Spice Level – If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the chili flakes. For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the honey glaze.
Oven-Baked Option – Want a lighter version? Bake the tenders at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

Why Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Are a Must-Have Dish

There’s something unbeatable about homemade hot honey chicken tenders—they strike the perfect balance between crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy. Unlike store-bought or fast-food versions, these tenders are made with fresh ingredients and no unnecessary additives, giving you full control over the flavors and spice level.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a game-day snack, a party appetizer, or a satisfying dinner alongside fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. Plus, the combination of crunchy fried chicken with a sticky hot honey glaze is pure comfort food magic. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your household.

Variations and Customizations

Make It Extra Spicy

If you love heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a fiery kick. You can also mix a little hot sauce into the honey glaze for an even spicier finish.

Go for a Healthier Version

For a lighter take, swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour and bake the tenders instead of frying them. Air-frying is another great option—cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Try a Buttermilk Marinade

Instead of Greek yogurt, use buttermilk for a more traditional Southern-style marinade. Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while adding a slight tangy flavor.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or crushed rice cereal for a crispy texture without the gluten.

Different Sweeteners for the Sauce

If you want to experiment, swap the honey with maple syrup for a deeper caramel-like sweetness, or use agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option.

Nutritional Information for Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

A serving (about three tenders with sauce) provides an estimated:

Calories: 350–400 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g (from the honey glaze)
Sodium: 600mg (varies based on seasoning adjustments)

For a lower-calorie version, opt for baking or air-frying and reduce the honey glaze quantity.

Serving Ideas for Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Classic Pairings

Serve these crispy tenders with traditional sides like coleslaw, French fries, or mac and cheese for a comforting meal.

Dipping Sauces

While the hot honey glaze is the star, you can pair them with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a garlic aioli for extra flavor.

Make It a Sandwich

Turn these tenders into a crispy chicken sandwich by placing them in a brioche bun with lettuce, pickles, and a drizzle of extra hot honey.

Salad Topping

Slice the tenders and toss them over a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.

Breakfast Twist

Pair them with waffles and drizzle extra honey on top for a Southern-inspired chicken and waffles dish.

Fun Facts About Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

A Southern Staple with a Modern Twist

While crispy fried chicken has been a Southern favorite for centuries, the combination of sweet honey and spicy heat is a more recent culinary trend. It takes inspiration from Nashville hot chicken and the long-standing tradition of drizzling honey over biscuits and fried foods.

Why Honey Works So Well

Honey isn’t just for sweetness—it also helps balance the spice, enhances browning, and creates a beautiful glossy glaze. Plus, it’s a natural preservative, keeping the sauce fresh longer.

The Science of Crispy Chicken

The secret to ultra-crispy tenders lies in the double dredge technique. Coating the chicken in a dry-wet-dry sequence ensures an extra crunchy crust while sealing in the juices.

Hot Honey Is More Versatile Than You Think

Hot honey isn’t just for chicken—try it drizzled over pizza, roasted vegetables, or even vanilla ice cream for a surprising kick of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Crispy, Yet Juicy Inside – The golden-brown crunch combined with tender, flavorful chicken makes every bite irresistible.
Sweet, Spicy, and Addictively Good – The balance of honey sweetness and spicy chili flakes keeps you coming back for more.
Easy to Make at Home – No need for restaurant takeout when you can create this crispy goodness in your own kitchen.
Customizable Heat Level – Whether you like it mildly spicy or extra fiery, you can adjust the spice to match your preference.
Great for Any Occasion – These tenders are perfect for family dinners, game nights, or meal prep for the week.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Can I make these tenders in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead or fully cook them and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and store it in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to a week.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Reduce the chili flakes or skip them entirely for a milder honey glaze without the heat.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.

The Perfect Excuse to Make These Again

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already thinking about your next batch of homemade hot honey chicken tenders. And honestly, who could blame you? The crispy golden coating, the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and that satisfying crunch—it’s the kind of recipe that keeps you coming back for more.

So what’s stopping you? Gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready for a flavor explosion. And if you somehow manage to have leftovers (unlikely, but possible), don’t forget to reheat them in the air fryer for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crisp.

Now, go on—make another batch. Your taste buds will thank you.