If you’re craving bold flavor and crave worthy crunch, these Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders hit the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. This recipe is easy to make at home and packs restaurant quality results crispy coating, tender chicken, and a sticky sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, game day, or a weekend treat, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.
This easy to follow Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe shows you how to make spicy Honey BBQ tenders from scratch, as well variations, tips, and answers to common questions. This recipe combines classic BBQ flavor with a kick of heat and a drizzle of honey for a finger licking finish.
Table Of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
- Crispy and tender : Golden brown crust on the outside, juicy on the inside.
- Sweet and spicy glaze : Honey and BBQ sauce with a touch of heat from hot sauce or cayenne.
- Kid and adult friendly : Adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Perfect for any occasion : Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken tenders : Use boneless skinless chicken tenderloins or slice chicken breasts into strips.
- Buttermilk : Tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. Substitute with a mix of milk and a splash of lemon juice if needed.
- All purpose flour : The base of your breading. You can mix in a bit of cornstarch for extra crispiness.
- Eggs : Help the breading stick to the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs or panko : Adds texture to the coating. Panko gives a crispier finish.
- Paprika, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Cayenne pepper : Key seasonings for flavor and heat.
- Honey : Brings natural sweetness to the sauce.
- BBQ sauce : Use your favorite store bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
- Hot sauce : Adds spice. Choose your preferred brand like Frank’s, Cholula, or Sriracha.
- Salt and pepper : Essential for balancing flavors.
The full list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card …
How to Make Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
1. Marinate the Chicken
Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize the meat and allows it to absorb flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading
In one shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add panko or breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk. Dip each piece in the flour mixture, then the eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the coating stick.
4. Cook the Chicken
You can either:
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet for 20 -25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 – 12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Pan-fry in hot oil (about 1/2 inch deep) over medium-high heat until crisp and golden, about 3 – 4 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Make the Spicy Honey BBQ Sauce
In a saucepan over low heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, and a bit of butter. Stir until warm and smooth.
6.Toss and Serve
Once the tenders are cooked, toss them in the warm sauce until coated. Serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping.
Additions and Variations
Extra spicy: Add more cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes to the breading and sauce.
Sweeter: Add a tablespoon more honey to the sauce if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
Smoky: Use smoked paprika and a smoky BBQ sauce to intensify flavor.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Oven-only version: Skip frying and bake for a lighter option.
Tips for Making the Best Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
- Let the chicken rest after breading for 10–15 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating stay on better during cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
- Warm the sauce gently. Overheating can cause the honey or BBQ sauce to burn or separate.
- Serve immediately. The crisp coating is best right after tossing in the sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat Leftover Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders ;
In an Oven – Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10 – 12 minutes.
In an Air fryer – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 – 7 minutes.
Note : Avoid microwaving It makes the coating soggy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of classic fries or sweet potato wedges
- Mac and cheese or Creamy coleslaw
- With salad for added protein
- With ranch, blue cheese, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping
Nutritional Info (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
Note: Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken and bread it a few hours ahead, then refrigerate. Cook just before serving. You can also make the sauce in advance and warm it before tossing.
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes. Freeze the cooked, unsauced tenders on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer and toss in sauce before serving.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite, whether smoky, tangy, or spicy. A classic Kansas City-style sauce or a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce pairs well with the honey and heat.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes. Reduce or omit the cayenne and hot sauce for a milder version. You can also offer the spicy sauce on the side.
Can I use pre-cooked frozen tenders?
You can, but for the best flavor and crispiness, homemade tenders are worth the effort. However, tossing store-bought tenders in the spicy honey BBQ sauce is a quick shortcut.
