Wingstop Copycat Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

This Wingstop Copycat Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is your shortcut to bold, crave-worthy wings right in your own kitchen. It’s straightforward, delicious, and nails the flavor that makes Wingstop wings so addictive. Next game day, party, or casual night in just got a serious upgrade. Grab your ingredients and start mixing!

If you’re a Wingstop fan, you already know their Hot Honey Rub is the kind of flavor combo that hits all the right notes — sticky-sweet with a fiery kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Lucky for you, I’ve cracked the code on a perfect copycat version that you can whip up at home anytime.

No need to wait for delivery or make the trek; your kitchen is about to become the new Wingstop.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients—no fancy sauces needed.
• Crispy, caramelized coating that’s just like the real deal from Wingstop.
• Customizable heat level—you control the kick by adjusting the cayenne.
• Versatile enough to use on wings, chicken tenders, veggies, and more.

Wingstop Honey Honey Rub Ingredients

• Brown sugar: Sweet, rich base for sticky honey glaze flavor.
• Honey powder: Adds natural honey sweetness without extra liquid.
• Cayenne pepper: Spicy kick that heats up the flavor profile.
• Smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth and vibrant red color.
• Garlic powder: Savory depth and subtle pungent garlic flavor.
• Onion powder: Sweet, mellow onion taste enhancing overall seasoning.
• Salt: Balances flavors and enhances all other spices.
• Black pepper: Sharp, earthy heat for subtle peppery bite.

How To Make Wingstop Copycat Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Step One: Cut chicken tenders or breasts into strips if needed. Pat dry with paper towels. Toss the chicken in salt and pepper, then dredge in flour or your favorite breading mix for a crispy crust.

Step Two:

• Deep fry: Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken strips until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Air fry: Spray chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

Step Three: In a bowl mix honey, brown sugar, honey powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.

Step Four: While chicken is still warm, toss in the hot honey rub until evenly coated and sticky. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dip, and extra honey on the side if you’re feeling wild.

Wingstop Copycat Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe Tips

• Pat Your Chicken Dry – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Make sure to dry your chicken tenders before breading.
• Use Buttermilk for Marinating – Soaking your chicken in buttermilk tenderizes and adds subtle tang while helping the coating stick better.
• Don’t Skip the Honey Powder – It’s key to getting that authentic sweet honey flavor without watering down the breading.
• Double Dredge for Extra Crunch – Dip your tenders in the flour mixture twice for a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Air Fry or Fry Hot and Fast – If frying, keep oil around 350°F to avoid greasy tenders. If air frying, don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Toss While Hot – Coat your tenders in the hot honey rub right after cooking so the seasoning sticks perfectly.
• Adjust Spice Level – Add more or less cayenne depending on how much heat you want — nobody wants a “tongue on fire” disaster.
• Serve Immediately – These are best fresh and hot. If you must reheat, do so in the oven or air fryer to keep the crisp.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Keep your cooked Wingstop Copycat Hot Honey Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents sogginess and keeps the flavors fresh.
• Freezing: To freeze, lay the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Reheating: Reheat frozen tenders in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the breading soggy and chewy.

Wingstop Copycat Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe Faqs

What can I use if I don’t have honey powder? You can substitute with regular honey or maple syrup, but adjust the wet ingredients in your batter or sauce accordingly to keep the right consistency.

How spicy is the hot honey rub? It has a mild to medium heat level, balanced by the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste if you want it hotter or milder.

Can I prepare these tenders ahead of time? Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just add the hot honey glaze fresh before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free? It depends on the flour and breadcrumbs you use. Substitute with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

More Copycat Wingstop Recipes

• Wingstop Blue Cheese Recipe

• Copycat Wingstop Fry Seasoning Recipe

• Copycat Wingstop Atomic Sauce Recipe
• Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings
• Wingstop Copycat Mango Habanero Wing Recipe
• Wingstop Ranch Recipe (Copycat)
• Wingstop Louisiana Rub Recipe (Copycat)
• Air Fryer Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn
• How to Make Wingstop Fries

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