Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
DISCLAIMER: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page!
Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
These Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are juicy, golden brown, and coated in the ultimate sweet-and-spicy homemade hot honey sauce. Marinated in bold herbs and spices, dredged in a crispy cornflake and breadcrumb coating, then drizzled with a buttery hot honey glaze, these homemade chicken tenders are packed with Southern flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, family meals, or dipping into your favorite sauces, they're guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Make Ahead, + Freezer Options!
There's something undeniably comforting about a basket of crispy, golden chicken tenders fresh from the oven or fryer—especially when they're coated in a sticky, buttery hot honey sauce that's equal parts sweet, spicy, and downright irresistible. These Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders take everything you love about classic Southern fried chicken and elevate it with a homemade hot honey glaze that delivers just the right amount of heat in every bite.
Much like this Crispy Oven Fried Chicken or this Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken recipe, these tenders are seasoned in layers and really have that extra crispiness factor like I'm used to growing up in the South and drenched in a beautifully spicy-sweet sauce. But if you're a total chicken tenders fan like I am, then this recipe or these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders, Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders or Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders are just the thing to try next! And of course, I have options for my vegan and non-meat eater peeps with these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings/Bites, Southern Hot Honey Cauliflower Bites, and Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Bites.
The secret to these chicken tenders starts long before they're cooked. Each tender is generously seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs before being coated in a crunchy mixture of cornflakes, breadcrumbs, flour, and cornstarch. The result is an ultra-crispy crust that stays crunchy even after it's tossed with the rich, buttery hot honey sauce. Whether you're serving them for a cozy family dinner, game day, or a weekend gathering with friends, these tenders are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Best of all, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Pair these crispy chicken tenders with homemade fries, creamy mac and cheese, waffles, coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauces for a meal that's full of bold Southern flavor. Once you try this homemade version, you'll never look at frozen chicken tenders the same way again.
Why You'll Love These Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside
- Coated in a crunchy cornflake and breadcrumb crust for incredible texture
- Tossed in a buttery homemade hot honey sauce that's sweet, spicy, and savory
- Packed with bold Southern-inspired herbs and seasonings in every bite
- Easy to make with simple pantry staples
- Family-friendly with an adjustable spice level
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, parties, or weekend comfort food
- Delicious fried, baked, or air fried with simple adaptations
- Pairs beautifully with everything from fries and waffles to mac and cheese and coleslaw
- Better than restaurant chicken tenders—and made completely from scratch
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR CHICKEN TENDERS!
- How to Make Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- Ingredients
- Tips for the Crispiest Chicken Tenders
- Troubleshooting Tips
- Best Variations
- Do I Use Cornstarch or Flour for Crispy Chicken?
- Do You Egg or Flour Chicken First?
- How to Serve Chicken Tenders
- Common Q + A's for Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- More Favorite Chicken Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR CHICKEN TENDERS!
Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially for these Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How to Make Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Begin by seasoning the chicken strips with the blend of herbs and spices until every piece is evenly coated. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, and Dijon mustard. In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, crushed cornflakes, and breadcrumbs to create the crispy coating.
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then press it firmly into the breading mixture until completely coated. Arrange the breaded tenders on a wire rack while you finish coating the remaining chicken. Fry, bake, or air fry until the tenders are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the hot honey sauce by gently melting the butter with the honey, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Once the tenders are perfectly crispy, drizzle or toss them in the warm sauce and serve immediately with your favorite Southern sides and dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast. Fresh chicken breasts cut into strips create tender, juicy chicken tenders that cook quickly while staying moist.
- Sea Salt. Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken while seasoning every layer of the breading.
- Black Pepper. Adds subtle warmth and balances the sweetness of the hot honey sauce.
- Smoked Paprika. Provides smoky depth, rich color, and classic Southern flavor.
- Garlic Powder. Adds bold, savory flavor throughout the chicken and complements the buttery hot honey glaze.
- Onion Powder. Creates another layer of rich, savory seasoning without overpowering the chicken.
- Dried Thyme. Adds earthy, herbaceous flavor that's common in Southern cooking.
- Dried Oregano. Brings a slightly peppery note that pairs beautifully with the garlic and paprika.
- Dried Basil. Adds subtle sweetness and freshness to the seasoning blend.
- Dried Parsley. Balances the spices while adding a touch of color and freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional). Adds extra heat for those who enjoy spicier chicken tenders.
- Eggs. Help the breading adhere to the chicken while creating a sturdy coating that fries up beautifully crisp.
- Almond Milk. Adds moisture to the egg mixture and helps create a smooth dredge. Whole milk, oat milk, or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk work just as well.
- Dijon Mustard. A secret ingredient that adds tangy flavor while helping the coating cling to the chicken. You won't taste the mustard—it simply enhances the overall flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour. Creates the first layer of the breading, helping the coating stick evenly to each chicken tender.
- Cornstarch. The key to an extra-light, crispy crust. Cornstarch reduces gluten formation and creates a delicate, crunchy coating.
- Crushed Cornflakes. The secret ingredient for restaurant-quality crunch. Crushed cornflakes create a crispy, golden coating that stays crunchy even after being drizzled with hot honey.
- Breadcrumbs. Add structure and help create an evenly browned crust.
- Butter. Creates a rich, silky base that helps the sauce coat every crispy tender.
- Raw Honey. Naturally sweetens the sauce while creating the signature sticky glaze.
- Cayenne Pepper. Adds bold heat that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Chili Powder. Adds warm, earthy flavor without overwhelming the honey.
Tips for the Crispiest Chicken Tenders
Pat the Chicken Dry
Before seasoning, use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the chicken. Dry chicken helps the breading stick better and crisp more evenly.
Don't Skip the Cornstarch
Cornstarch is one of the biggest secrets to achieving a light, crispy coating. It creates an airy crust that stays crunchy long after cooking.
Crush the Cornflakes by Hand
Leave some larger pieces rather than crushing them into fine crumbs. Those uneven flakes create irresistible crunchy pockets.
Press the Breading Firmly
After dredging each tender, firmly press the breading onto the chicken so it adheres well during cooking.
Let the Breaded Chicken Rest
Allow the coated tenders to rest for 10–15 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating set, reducing the chance of it falling off during frying or baking.
Cook at the Right Temperature
If frying, maintain the oil at 350°F–365°F. Oil that's too cool results in greasy chicken, while oil that's too hot can brown the coating before the chicken is fully cooked.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
Cook the tenders in batches to allow hot air or oil to circulate freely. Overcrowding traps steam and softens the crispy coating.
Add the Hot Honey at the End
Always drizzle or toss the tenders in the warm hot honey sauce after they're fully cooked. This keeps the coating crispy while giving every bite a glossy, flavorful finish.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even simple chicken tender recipes can have a few hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to fix them for perfectly crispy, juicy tenders every time.
Why isn't my breading sticking?
If your coating falls off during cooking, the chicken may have been too wet or the breading didn't have time to adhere.
How to Fix It:
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning.
- Coat each tender evenly in the egg mixture before dredging.
- Press the breading firmly onto the chicken.
- Let the breaded tenders rest for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
Why aren't my chicken tenders crispy?
Soft or soggy breading is usually caused by excess moisture or improper cooking temperature.
How to Fix It:
- Don't skip the cornstarch.
- Cook at the proper oil temperature (350°F–365°F) if frying.
- Bake or air fry on a wire rack to improve air circulation.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan or basket.
Why did the breading burn before the chicken finished cooking?
The cooking temperature was likely too high.
How to Fix It:
Lower the heat slightly and cook the tenders until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If baking, position the pan in the center of the oven for even browning.
Why are my chicken tenders dry?
Chicken breast cooks quickly and can become dry if overcooked.
How to Fix It:
Use an instant-read thermometer and remove the tenders from the heat as soon as they reach 165°F. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute.
Why did my hot honey sauce separate?
Butter and honey can separate if overheated or boiled too vigorously.
How to Fix It:
Warm the sauce gently over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil.
Why did my coating become soggy after adding the sauce?
The hot honey sauce softens the crispy coating the longer it sits.
How to Fix It:
Drizzle or toss the tenders with the sauce just before serving. For parties or family-style meals, serve the sauce on the side so everyone can add as much—or as little—as they like while keeping the coating crisp.
Why is my hot honey sauce too spicy or too sweet?
The beauty of homemade hot honey is that it's easy to adjust.
How to Fix It:
- Too spicy? Add another tablespoon or two of honey or a small pat of butter to mellow the heat.
- Too sweet? Add an extra pinch of cayenne, a little smoked paprika, or a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
Best Variations
One of the best things about these Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is how easy they are to customize. Whether you're looking to turn up the heat, make them gluten-free, or switch up the flavors, these simple variations make the recipe feel brand new every time.
- Extra Spicy Hot Honey Tenders. Love a little more heat? Add an extra teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the hot honey sauce, or finish the tenders with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
- Parmesan Hot Honey Chicken Tenders. After tossing the tenders in the hot honey sauce, sprinkle them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a sweet, spicy, and savory twist.
- Nashville-Inspired Chicken Tenders. Add extra cayenne, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the seasoning blend before breading the chicken for a Southern-inspired version with bold, smoky heat.
- Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Tenders. Finish the crispy tenders with fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper before drizzling with the hot honey sauce for a bright, citrusy variation.
- Herb Butter Hot Honey Tenders. Stir fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary into the melted butter before combining it with the honey for an herby finish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables.
- Turn Them Into Hot Honey Chicken Tacos. Slice the tenders and serve them in warm tortillas with crunchy slaw, avocado, pickled onions, and an extra drizzle of hot honey for an easy taco night.
- Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Serve sliced tenders over crisp romaine or mixed greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing for a hearty salad.
- Make Them Gluten-Free. Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and gluten-free cornflakes for an equally crispy coating.
- Air Fryer Version. Cook the breaded tenders in the air fryer until golden and crispy, then toss them with the warm hot honey sauce just before serving.
Do I Use Cornstarch or Flour for Crispy Chicken?
OK, so this is one of the hot debates as it relates to which one creates the crispier chicken or chicken tenders. While cornstarch does add extra layer of crispiness for your chicken, using flour still works too!
But to best honest, the best kept secret is the combination of both cornstarch and flour, which creates the crispiest results. Of course, if you're looking to make this fried chicken recipe gluten-free, then substitute the cornstarch or flour with arrowroot starch or a great all-purpose flour.
Do You Egg or Flour Chicken First?
The greatest secret and tip to ensuring that your crust sticks unto your chicken pieces properly and permanently is to first dust your chicken in the flour-starch mixture and then dip it into the egg mixture, shaking off any excess before rolling it in the breadcrumbs.
How to Serve Chicken Tenders
You can eat these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders hot out of the oven dipped in your favorite creamy sauce. I like Ultra Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing, Easy Garlic Parmesan Sauce, In-N-Out Sauce, Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing, Ranch, Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing, Creamy Chipotle Dressing/Sauce, Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing, Vegan Ranch Dressing, Homemade BBQ Sauce, or Homemade Green Goddess Dressing.
You can also top a fresh salad with these crispy chicken tenders or wrap them into a tortilla for a sandwich, stuff them into a taco shell or even chop them up and make a cheesy chicken tenders pizza. Whatever the decision----you'll love it! Of course, as I’ve stated before, these spicy chicken tenders can be incorporated in the following foods:
- Creamy mac and cheese
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Baked macaroni and cheese
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Southern-style green beans
- Creamed corn
- Cornbread
- Candied sweet potatoes
- French fries
- Waffle fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Potato wedges
- Onion rings
- Tater tots
- Homemade coleslaw
- Cucumber salad
- Garden salad
- Broccoli salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Garlic butter rice
- Cilantro lime rice
- Coconut rice
- Basmati rice
- Brown rice
- Dirty rice
- Seasoned yellow rice
- Creamy cheese grits
Common Q + A's for Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Yes! Chicken tenderloins work perfectly in this recipe and require very little prep. If using chicken breasts, simply slice them into evenly sized strips so they cook at the same rate.
Absolutely! Air fry the breaded chicken tenders at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they're golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Yes! Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
The combination of cornstarch, crushed cornflakes, and breadcrumbs creates an extra crunchy coating that stays crisp while locking in the chicken's natural juices.
Yes! The homemade hot honey sauce can be prepared up to 5 days in advance.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently warm it over low heat or in the microwave before serving.
The heat level is moderate and can easily be adjusted.
For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. If you love extra heat, simply add more cayenne, crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
You can, but homemade hot honey gives you complete control over the sweetness, spice level, and flavor. The buttery homemade sauce also coats the chicken more evenly than bottled hot honey.
Yes! If you don't have cornflakes, you can use:
Panko breadcrumbs
Crushed buttery crackers
Crushed corn chips
Crushed tortilla chips
Crushed potato chips (for a fun twist)
Each option creates a slightly different texture while still producing crispy chicken tenders.
The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy flavor while helping the breading stick to the chicken. Don't worry—you won't taste the mustard once the tenders are cooked.
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as:
Peanut oil
Canola oil
Vegetable oil
Avocado oil
These oils help create a golden, crispy crust without overpowering the flavor of the chicken.
These crispy Southern chicken tenders pair wonderfully with:
Mac and cheese
French fries
Waffle fries
Coleslaw
Cornbread
Biscuits
Corn on the cob
Roasted vegetables
Garden salad
Waffles for a sweet-and-savory brunch
Yes! You can bread the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time as well, then cook and sauce the tenders just before serving for the crispiest results.
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For best results, store any extra hot honey sauce separately and drizzle it over the chicken after reheating.
For the crispiest texture, reheat the tenders in:
A 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes
An air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the crispy coating.
Yes! Freeze the cooked, unsauced chicken tenders in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until crispy, then toss or drizzle them with freshly warmed hot honey sauce before serving.
This usually happens when the chicken is too wet or the coating hasn't had time to set.
For the best results:
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
Coat each piece evenly in the egg mixture.
Press the breading firmly onto the chicken.
Let the breaded tenders rest for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
These simple steps help the coating stay intact while frying, baking, or air frying.
Definitely! This recipe doubles easily, making it perfect for game day, birthday parties, potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday entertaining.
Yes! These Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders can easily be made gluten-free with a few simple substitutions.
Replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free cornflakes and gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs for the coating. Be sure to double-check that your Dijon mustard, spices, and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden sources of gluten or be processed in shared facilities.
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to adapt for a dairy-free diet.
Use your favorite unsweetened dairy-free milk, such as almond, oat, soy, or cashew milk, in the egg mixture. For the hot honey sauce, simply substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter or vegan butter alternative.
More Favorite Chicken Recipes
If you thoroughly enjoyed this Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders recipe, don't forget to add these delicious creations to your "must-make" list:
- Curry Chicken Roti
- Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
- Takeout Orange Chicken
- Spicy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Authentic Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken
- Weeknight Creamy Chicken Alfredo
- Creamy Blackened Chicken with Tortellini
- Chicken Parmesan with Vodka Sauce
- Weeknight Bruschetta Chicken
- Southern Chicken and Waffles
- Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup
- Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies
- One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo
- Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken
- Authentic Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta
- Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
- Take Out Honey Garlic Chicken
- Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried my Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!
Crispy Southern Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
CHICKEN TENDERS:
- 2 lbs. organic chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tsps sea salt
- 2 tsps black pepper
- 2 tsps smoked paprika
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- 2 tsps onion powder
- 2 tsps dried thyme
- 2 tsps dried oregano
- 2 tsps dried basil
- 2 tsps dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup Almond milk, unsweetened (You can also use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk, if desired)
- 2 Tbsps dijon mustard
- ¼ cup organic all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups organic cornflakes, crushed
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (You can make your own Seasoned Toasted Panko Bread Crumbs)
SAUCE:
- 6 Tbsps unsalted butter
- ½ cup organic raw honey
- 2 tsps cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
TO MAKE THE CHICKEN TENDERS:
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prep a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and a wire rack (this helps both sides to crisp up nicely).
- In a large bowl, add the chicken strips and 1 teaspoon of EACH: salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, basil, parsley and red pepper flakes (if using), tossing everything together until well coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so that everything marinates. NOTE: It's always best to marinate overnight in the fridge.
- In the bowl of the beaten egg, add the milk and dijon mustard and whisk together until combined.
TO MAKE THE BREADED COATING:
- In a separate large bowl, add the crushed corn flakes, breadcrumbs, and remaining 1 teaspoon of seasonings together and stir until combined.
- In a separate bowl or plate, mix together the cornstarch and flour.
ASSEMBLE + BAKE:
- Now, dip one chicken strip (tender) into the flour followed by the egg mixture (shaking off any excess) and then add it into the breadcrumb coating mixture-----tossing it around until strip is well coated. Then lay the chicken strip (tender) side by side onto the baking sheet (about an inch apart). Repeat until all chicken tenders are coated.
- Lightly brush or spray tops of chicken with olive oil or cooking spray and bake them for 30-35 minutes or until chicken has fully cooked through.
TO MAKE THE HOT HONEY SAUCE:
- In a medium 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and let it melt. Add the honey, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt, stirring everything together until sauce becomes smooth and thick. Remove from heat.
- To serve, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce atop chicken tenders generously. Enjoy chicken tenders with your favorite condiment or dipping sauce. Tenders can also be served atop a salad, sandwich, taco, pizza, etc.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Place any leftover ingredients in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- MAKE AHEAD: All ingredients can be made and individually stored as meal prep (up to 2 days prior) and assembled when ready to serve. Be sure to store crushed corn flakes + seasoning mixture in a nicely sealed zip loc bag, kept at room temp.
- CHICKEN: If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can always use chicken tenderloins which are already pre-cut into strips.
- GLUTEN-FREE + OTHER OPTIONS: See FAQ section!
- EGG SUBSTITUTE: If you'd prefer not to use eggs for "egg wash", you can always substitute with 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard or mayonnaise.
Nutrition
DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!