This spicy hot honey chicken strips recipe marinates chicken tenders in buttermilk, coats them in a spiced flour dredge, fries until golden, then finishes with a drizzle of hot honey. This easy crispy chicken strip recipe takes about 30 minutes of active cooking and rides the sweet-spicy chicken trend that’s taken over menus and home kitchens alike.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes active
Servings: 4
Category: Main dish
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Strips
- This spicy hot honey chicken strips recipe combines a genuinely crispy crust with a sweet-spicy finish.
- Buttermilk marinating keeps the chicken tender and flavorful all the way through.
- The hot honey drizzle balances the heat with just the right amount of sweetness.
- A fun, restaurant-style dinner that’s realistic to make on a weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 5 cups flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup hot honey, for drizzling
How to Make Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Strips
- Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Mix the flour, cornstarch, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to help it adhere.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken tenders for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Drain on a rack.
- Drizzle with hot honey before serving.
Tips for the Best Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Strips
- Marinate the chicken as long as possible for this spicy hot honey chicken strips recipe for the most tender, flavorful result.
- Press the flour coating firmly onto the chicken so it doesn’t fall off during frying.
- Fry in batches to avoid crowding the pot and dropping the oil temperature.
- Drizzle the hot honey right before serving to keep the coating crispy.
Variations to Try
- Adjust the cayenne up or down to control the spice level.
- Serve over waffles for a sweet-and-savory chicken and waffles twist.
- Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, as a lighter alternative to frying.
How to Store It
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why marinate chicken in buttermilk?
Buttermilk’s acidity helps tenderize the chicken while adding flavor, resulting in juicier chicken strips once fried.
Can I make hot honey chicken strips ahead of time?
You can fry the chicken ahead and reheat in the oven or air fryer, adding the hot honey drizzle fresh right before serving.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a moderate heat from the cayenne and hot honey — reduce the cayenne for a milder version or use extra-spicy hot honey for more heat.
Can I air fry instead of deep frying?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, though the texture will be slightly less crispy than deep frying.
Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Strips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Tip: Marinate as long as possible for the most tender result.
- Step 2: Mix flour, cornstarch, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Step 4: Fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden.
- Step 5: Drain on a rack.
- Step 6: Drizzle with hot honey before serving.
- Tip: Drizzle right before serving to keep the coating crispy.