Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe (Quick & Easy!)

Green herbs sprinkled over chicken tenders in hot honey sauce with honey dipper on white plate.

5 from 1 vote

Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe (Quick & Easy!)

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 288kcal

Author: Danielle

Equipment

sheet pans
basting brush
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.
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Notes

Tips & 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.

Notes:

We used 2 lbs of Just Bare brand chicken strips which was about 18 pieces. Serving size is based on this. Any brand will work as long as it is 2 lbs worth.

Make Ahead Instructions:

This recipe is best served immediately. The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using. See post for thorough instructions.

Store & Reheat:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Heat in a 350º oven until tenders reach 165ºF approximately 10 minutes.

Nutrition