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Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

These Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with spicy-sweet flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or bold appetizer!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: Chicken Tenders, Easy, Fried Chicken, Honey, Quick, Spicy
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenders fresh, high-quality
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for flour coating
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • vegetable oil for frying, neutral oil with high smoke point
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for sauce
  • chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then submerge the chicken tenders. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to tenderize.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to prepare the seasoned flour coating.
  • Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to about 1 to 1.5 inches deep and heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  • Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Shake off excess flour.
  • Fry tenders in hot oil for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
  • While frying, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until warm, smooth and slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
  • Place fried tenders in a large bowl and drizzle the hot honey sauce over them. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley to garnish.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Deep skillet
  • Wire Rack
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Small Saucepan

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts to control heat level to your preference.
  • For gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blend and check hot sauce ingredients.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.