Description
Crispy chicken tenders coated in a spicy Buffalo sauce and drizzled with sweet, sticky hot honey for the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. These Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders make an irresistible appetizer or main dish, combining classic fiery Buffalo flavors with a delightful honey glaze that elevates the taste and texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For the Hot Honey Drizzle
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Station: In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well blended.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a breadcrumb sizzles and browns quickly on contact.
- Fry the Chicken Tenders: Carefully add the breaded tenders to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in hot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix until smooth and heated through.
- Make the Hot Honey: In another small saucepan, combine honey and hot sauce. Warm gently over low heat while stirring until blended. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: Place the fried tenders in a large bowl and pour the warm Buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently to evenly coat each piece.
- Serve with Hot Honey Drizzle: Arrange the buffalo sauced tenders on a serving plate and drizzle the hot honey over the top. Serve immediately with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double dip the tenders by repeating the egg and flour coating steps before frying.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in both the buffalo sauce and hot honey according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a cooking thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked for safety and juiciness.
- These tenders pair perfectly with crunchy celery and cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.
