Name: Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat); 1 egg; Vegetable oil (for frying); For the Whipped Hot Honey Sauce:; 1/2 cup honey; 1 tbsp hot sauce; 1 tbsp butter; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 tsp salt; Special Equipment:; Deep frying pan or Dutch oven; Whisk; Tongs; Wire rack (for draining excess oil)

Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

There’s something about crispy, golden-fried chicken tenders that just hits the spot every time. But when you drizzle them with a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy whipped hot honey sauce? Absolute perfection. This recipe was born out of a craving for something indulgent yet simple—something that could turn an ordinary dinner into a special occasion.

One evening, I wanted to surprise my family with a new take on our favorite chicken tenders, and let me tell you—these were an instant hit! My husband raved about the crunchy coating, my kids couldn’t get enough of the honey drizzle, and I loved that it felt like restaurant-quality food without the hefty price tag. The whipped hot honey brings the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making every bite downright addictive.

If you’re looking for a dish that is easy to make, universally loved, and bound to become a household favorite, these whipped hot honey chicken tenders are it. The combination of crispy fried tenders and silky, warm honey is a game-changer. Try them once, and you’ll see why we keep making them over and over again!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I make these in an air fryer instead of frying?
Yes! Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F, spray the tenders with cooking oil, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

What kind of honey should I use?
Any good-quality honey will work, but raw honey has the best natural sweetness. You can also use hot honey for an extra kick.

Can I bake these instead?
Definitely! Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tenders soggy.

What You Need to Make Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

1 egg

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Whipped Hot Honey Sauce:

1/2 cup honey

1 tbsp hot sauce

1 tbsp butter

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1/4 tsp salt

Special Equipment:

Deep frying pan or Dutch oven

Whisk

Tongs

Wire rack (for draining excess oil)

How to Make Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they’re fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).

Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix flour, panko, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Dredge each marinated tender in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.

Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F.

Fry the Tenders: Fry the tenders in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Whipped Hot Honey Sauce: In a saucepan, heat honey, butter, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt over low heat. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.

Drizzle & Serve: Drizzle the warm whipped hot honey sauce over the crispy tenders and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Best Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Double-dip for extra crunch: Coat the tenders in the buttermilk mixture twice before dredging them in the flour.

Let them rest: After coating the tenders, let them sit for 5-10 minutes before frying to help the coating stick.

Use a thermometer: Keeping the oil at a steady 350°F ensures the tenders cook evenly and stay crispy.

For milder heat: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes in the sauce.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These were an absolute hit with my family! The perfect balance of sweet and spicy.” – Amanda R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Crispy, juicy, and that whipped honey drizzle is chef’s kiss! I’ll be making this again.” – Jake M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Loved the flavor, but I wish I had made extra sauce—it was that good!” – Sarah L.

⭐⭐⭐ “Great recipe, but I prefer a little more heat. Next time, I’ll add extra cayenne!” – Matt D.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Easy, delicious, and the whole family approved. Even my picky eater loved them!” – Rachel T.

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