Hot Honey Chicken Strips are spicy, sweet and completely crave-worthy. They’re baked, so they’re better for you than fried chicken, and they’re done in about 30 minutes.
Chicken is a staple on my table because it is delicious and economical. Here are two more favorites: my Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables and my Mongolian Chicken.
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Why this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is a Keeper
I love this spicy hot honey chicken recipe because it’s the perfect amped up alternative to fried chicken tenders. It’s quick, easy and absolutely delicious.
- Sweet and Spicy Flavor: Hot honey sauce adds bold flavor.
- Easy Dinner: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps for my Honey Chicken Strips.
- Family Favorite: Great for weeknight meals or game day snacks.
- Serve this Recipe: Serve with Chunky Blue Cheese Sauce or Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery.
What is Hot Honey Sauce Made of for the Chicken Recipe?
Hot honey sauce is usually made with honey, red pepper flakes and apple cider vinegar. It has that sweet and hot flavor that is perfect for these chicken tenders.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
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“This has so much flavor!”
~ Michele
Ingredient Notes to Make Hot Honey Chicken Strips
This recipe uses easy ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Breasts: You will need about 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast.
- Hot Honey: Hot honey is what will make these chicken fingers sweet yet spicy.
- Chili Seasoning: Use a homemade Chili Seasoning or hot honey seasoning.
Variations – Make Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are super easy to customize. Switch up the ingredients to make it work for your tastes.
➡️ Make BBQ Version: Use honey barbecue sauce instead of hot honey.
➡️ Add Parmesan: Sprinkle a couple teaspoons of parmesan into the flour coating for a cheesy batch.
➡️ Adjust Heat: Reduce chili flakes for milder flavor, or serve with hot sauce to amp it up.
➡️ Make Sliders: Serve chicken strips in small sandwich rolls.
➡️ Seasonings: Feel free to whisk together teaspoons other seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper.
Tools To Make This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe Easier
You don’t need anything fancy for my recipe for chicken tenders, but these tools make the job easier when you cook chicken. Also use some a large bowl and some measuring cups.
- Baking Sheet: Used for baking or finishing chicken strips in the oven.
- Wire Rack: Helps chicken stay crispy while baking.
- Tongs: Makes flipping and coating chicken easier.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Strips
In just 3 steps, you can have your own honey barbecue chicken strips. This chicken tenderloins recipe takes just a little bit of effort but the results are well worth it.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prep the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice your chicken breasts horizontally, so that you have 4 thin breasts. Season each fillet with BBQ seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Mix together the flour and the remaining BBQ seasoning in a shallow dish. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then sear the chicken on each side in the hot oil.
- Bake and Drizzle: Place the skillet in a preheated oven and bake until the chicken is no longer pink. As soon as the chicken comes out of the oven, drizzle on the hot honey sauce and enjoy. Use remaining hot honey sauce for dipping.
Meal Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips to Bake Chicken
Get a head start to make this easy recipe even quicker. Honey Chicken Strips are easy to prepare in advance.
➡️ Prepare Coating Station Early: Measure ingredients ahead of time.
➡️ Cut Chicken Ahead: Trim chicken tenders earlier in the day.
➡️ Mix Sauce First: Prepare hot honey sauce before cooking, if making from scratch.
Alternate Cooking Methods for this Game Day Recipe
This great recipe is best in the oven, but you can also make Honey Chicken Strips in the air fryer.
- Air Fryer: Cook chicken strips in an air fryer. Letting the chicken rest a few minutes after it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F this helps the juices settle and keeps it moist.
Can I Use Breaded Chicken Strips for this Recipe?
Yes, breaded and fried chicken goes great with the hot honey. Feel free to use either frozen, or dredge the chicken breasts in buttermilk, then in breadcrumbs or a flour and cornstarch mix.
How to Store and Use Leftover Honey Chicken Strips
If you store your leftovers the right way, these chicken tenders are absolutely delicious the second time.
- Storing: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness, or air fry the chicken. Flip the chicken halfway through heating.
- Using Leftovers: Slice Honey Chicken Strips and add to salads, wraps, or rice bowls.
Expert Tips to Love This Recipe for Baked Chicken Tenders
➡️ Do Not Crowd Pan: Overcrowding prevents crispiness and will have a longer cooking time.
➡️ Use Oil at Proper Temperature: Keeps the delicious chicken golden brown.
➡️ Rest Chicken Briefly: Let chicken dish rest after cooking to retain juices.
➡️ Add Sauce Last: Toss chicken in sauce right before serving.
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Hot Honey Chicken Strips
Equipment
- Shallow Dish
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, or more as needed
- 2 Chicken breasts, approximately 1½ pounds
- 2 Tablespoons Hot BBQ Seasoning, or Chili Seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon Salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon Pepper, divided
- ¼ cup Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Hot honey, or more as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450℉.
- Place a skillet over medium heat.
- Cut your chicken breasts through the middle to create 4 thinner chicken filets. Season each chicken filet with ½ teaspoon BBQ seasoning, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour with remaining BBQ seasoning.
- Dredge the chicken filets in the seasoned flour mixture until completely coated.
- Place the oil in the preheated skillet and once oil is hot, add the chicken filets.
- Brown the chicken on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place skillet in the oven to finish cooking, about 8-10 minutes until an inserted meat thermometer reads 165℉.
- Immediately after the chicken is removed from the oven, drizzle with the hot honey.
Christina’s Notes
- Give the chicken space in the pan — Crowding traps steam, which softens the crust and slows down cooking. Work in batches for the crispiest results.
- Fry at the right oil temperature — Proper heat keeps the coating golden and crunchy instead of greasy or pale.
- Let the chicken rest briefly — A short rest after frying helps the juices settle so the meat stays moist when you bite in.
- Sauce at the very end — Toss the chicken in sauce right before serving to keep the crust crisp instead of soggy.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
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This has so much flavor!