Whip up this crowd-pleasing Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe with just 10 minutes of hands-on time. Transform your favorite frozen chicken tenders by baking them to crispy perfection while you prepare a simple yet irresistible hot honey sauce. Brush with the sauce for a spicy-sweet kick that's perfect for potlucks, parties, and game day gatherings.
We have a variety of hot honey recipes for you to enjoy whether it is dinner, side dishes, or appetizers! They all have the perfect balance of sweet and heat!
I kid you not, these chicken tenders in hot honey sauce have graced our table for years at everything from:
- Weeknight dinners - No need for homemade chicken tenders!
- Super Bowl parties - Perfect finger food alongside our other Game Day Recipes!
- Baby showers - Liven up the typical menu!
- Game nights - Crowd-pleasing!
We get rave reviews every single time we serve them. What makes them extra special is this award-winning spicy hot honey sauce. Ok, ok. It hasn't actually won an award, but it deserves one if I do say so myself!
This recipe uses a convenient chicken shortcut. However, if you are looking for a recipe made from scratch, try this hot honey chicken recipe.
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- Ingredients for chicken tenders in hot honey sauce
- Helpful tools
- How to make hot honey chicken tenders
- How to make hot honey sauce for chicken tenders?
- Can I use fried chicken strips from the deli?
- Can hot honey tenders be made ahead?
- FAQ
- Tips and tricks
- What to serve with hot honey tenders
- If you love this recipe, try these quick and easy recipes next!
- Recipe
- Comments
Ingredients for chicken tenders in hot honey sauce
This recipe requires just a few ingredients! Quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips:
- Frozen Chicken Tenders: These are chicken tenderloins that have been tossed in a flour mixture before being cooked to golden brown and then frozen. We used Just Bare brand (not sponsored, just what we like), but your favorite brand works just as well. High quality chicken nuggets would make a fine substitution.
- Honey: The natural sweetness sets the tone for the sauce. We prefer a lightly flavored honey.
- Cayenne: This is where the spiciness comes from and can be adjusted based on personal preference. Feel free to add in chili flakes for an additional spicy kick!
- Smoked Paprika: Don't skip or substitute this one! This is what sets the sauce apart from all other hot honey sauces!
- Butter: The dairy helps to mellow out the heat but also provides tremendous flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Dried and ground garlic gives this a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Salt: Kosher salt is our go-to.
How to make hot honey chicken tenders
This is a quick and easy recipe, but there are a couple key points to make sure they turn out extra yummy.
Preheat the oven according to instructions on the package of frozen breaded chicken tenders. Use a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet as this will make the clean up process easier.
Place chicken pieces in a single layer evenly across a sheet pan, leaving a bit of space in between. Bake but be ready to pull them out three minutes before the package directions state - the cooking time with vary.
While the pieces of chicken cook, prepare the spicy honey sauce by mixing all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
Three minutes before they are finished, remove and brush hot honey sauce on each tender. Use a light hand when brushing on the sauce to keep the tender coating intact.
Put them back in the oven and finish baking. Serve hot honey-glazed chicken tenders straight off the pan or place on a serving patter.
Note: We have baked these crispy chicken tenders on a wire rack set inside cookie sheets with great results. However, the cleaning process was more difficult. If you choose this method, be sure to use non-stick cooking spray on the wire racks as well as the line the baking sheet.
How to make hot honey sauce for chicken tenders?
Making the homemade spicy sauce is as easy as measuring the ingredients into a separate bowl and stirring to combine. However, if you would like a step-by-step guide see the full hot honey sauce recipe.
Can I use fried chicken strips from the deli?
Yes. Chicken tenders form the deli work. Start with fresh tenders spread out on a lined cookie sheet. Spread on a bit of hot honey sauce and place in 350ºF oven for 3-5 minutes allowing the sauce to soak into the coating on the chicken.
Can hot honey tenders be made ahead?
This recipe is best served immediately after baking. However, the hot honey sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to come to room temperature before using or gently warm over low heat or in the microwave until it is a loose but not runny consistency. If it is too thick it will be hard to brush on the tenders. If it is too loose it will run down and not soak into the chicken.
FAQ
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It is best to put them away once they have cooled or the condensation will cause the coating to get soggy.
For best results reheat in a 350ºF oven for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165ºF per USDA recommendations.
Tips and tricks
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- Do not substitute or leave out the smoked paprika. It makes this recipe!
- Use a gentle touch when brushing on the sauce to ensure that the coating stays in place.
What to serve with hot honey tenders
- Hot Honey Ranch Dressing: A seriously delicious new take on ranch dressing that will keep you dipping again and again.
- Crispy potatoes: Nothing beats a really good crispy potato, and these don't disappoint.
- Garlic Bread with French Bread: Who can turn down a fantastic carb?
- Fresh Fruit Salad Dressing: This is such an easy, yet delicious, way to dress up fresh fruit.
- Frozen Lemonade: The perfect way to cool down the sweet heat! Only 2 ingredients!
If you love this recipe, try these quick and easy recipes next!
- Easy Potato Soup (Only 4 Ingredients!)
- Tzatziki Sauce (Flavorful Punch)
- Quick Baked Thin Chicken Breasts (Simple Ingredients)
- Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Crispy Rice
- Easy Frozen Peas Recipe
- Simple Pumpkin Cake
- Rum Ham Glaze Recipe
- How to Bake a Cheesecake Without a Water Bath
Recipe
Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe (Quick & Easy!)
Equipment
- parchment optional
- aluminum foil optional
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen chicken tenders see note below
- ¼ cup butter melter
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne more or less as desired
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to the directions on the package of frozen chicken tenders. Line half size sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Lay out chicken fingers in an single layer leaving a little space in between each one. Bake according to package directions (plan to pull them out three minutes early in step 4).2 lbs frozen chicken tenders
- While the chicken tenders are baking, mix together the hot honey sauce ingredients.¼ cup butter, ¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoon cayenne, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- When the tenders have three minutes left, pull out and brush each one with about a teaspoons worth of sauce. Place back in the oven for the additional three minutes. Serve while hot.
- We love comments! Please come back and leave us one after you've tried this recipe.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- Do not substitute or leave out the smoked paprika. It makes this recipe!
- Use a gentle touch when brushing on the sauce to ensure that the coating stays in place.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Danielle says
So flavorful and perfect for parties!