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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with smoked gouda mac and cheese

If you love crispy, flavorful chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, these hot honey chicken tenders are a must try. Tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in a double dip breading, and fried to golden perfection is finished with a buttery sweet spicy hot honey glaze. They are perfect on their own, served with a side of fries or salad, or layered on top of smoked gouda mac and cheese for an irresistible combination.

This recipe is easy to make at home and delivers that restaurant style crispy chicken everyone loves. By marinating the tenders in a spiced buttermilk mixture, each bite stays juicy and flavorful. The breading process ensures an extra crispy exterior, and brushing with the hot honey glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.

If you love this recipe, check out my other comfort food favorites including basil lime steak bowls and lemon herb chicken bowls.

Table of contents

1. Why you will love this recipe
2. Ingredients you will need
3. Tools you will need
4. Step by step instructions
5. Tips for perfect hot honey chicken
6. Frequently asked questions
7. Variations and add ins
8. Serving ideas and pairings
9. Related recipes
10. Final thoughts

Why you will love this recipe

Crispy and juicy. The buttermilk marinade keeps chicken tender while the double breading ensures maximum crunch.

Sweet and spicy. The hot honey glaze adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Easy to make at home. No complicated ingredients or techniques, but it tastes like a restaurant dish.

Versatile. Serve with fries, a salad, in sandwiches, or on top of mac and cheese.

Family friendly. Adults and kids alike love these flavorful tenders.

Ingredients you will need

For the buttermilk marinade

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 8-10 chicken tenders

For the breading mixture

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the breading batter

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For frying

• Oil for frying
• Meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit

For the hot honey glaze

• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup butter

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Tools you will need

• Large mixing bowls for marinade, flour, and batter
• Whisk and spoon
• Deep skillet or frying pan with oil
• Meat thermometer
• Baking sheet or plate lined with paper towels for draining
• Small saucepan for hot honey glaze
• Pastry brush for glazing

Step by step instructions

1. Marinate the chicken. Combine buttermilk, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken tenders and let marinate for at least one hour or up to overnight.
2. Prepare breading mixtures. In one bowl, combine flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper for the batter.
3. Bread the chicken. Take each tender and dip first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk batter, and back into the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is fully coated.
4. Fry the chicken. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium high heat. Fry the tenders about six minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
5. Make the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter with hot sauce and honey, stirring until combined and smooth.
6. Glaze the chicken. Brush the hot honey mixture generously over the fried tenders while they are still warm.
7. Serve. Top your smoked gouda mac and cheese with the hot honey chicken tenders, or enjoy on their own with your favorite sides. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for perfect hot honey chicken

• Marinate longer for maximum flavor and extra tender chicken
• Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked without overcooking
• Maintain oil temperature while frying to avoid greasy chicken
• Adjust the hot honey glaze heat by adding more or less hot sauce
• Double breading creates an extra crispy crust

Frequently asked questions

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, and then brush with hot honey glaze

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate overnight and prep breading in advance, but fry just before serving for best crispiness

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
It has a moderate spice with a sweet balance from honey. Adjust hot sauce to taste

Can I use regular chicken breasts?
Yes, cut into tender sized pieces. Adjust cooking time as needed

Variations and add ins

• Use different spices in the flour or batter for unique flavors
• Add breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch
• Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or garlic aioli
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile

Serving ideas and pairings

• On top of smoked gouda mac and cheese for a decadent meal
• Serve with fries, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables
• Great in sandwiches or wraps with extra hot honey drizzle
• Perfect for game day, family dinners, or casual gatherings

Related recipes

• Smoked gouda mac and cheese
• Basil lime steak bowls

Tried this hot honey chicken? Tell me how they turned out in the comments and don’t forget to leave a ★★★★★ rating if you loved them.