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Crispy wings coated with copycat Wingstop hot honey rub served on a plate with dipping sauce.

Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Chicken Tenders (Copycat)

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Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time: 39 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

This copycat Wingstop Hot Honey Rub recipe delivers crispy chicken tenders tossed in a sweet-spicy dry rub of honey powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne — the exact flavor combo that made Wingstop's hot honey go viral. Ready in under 40 minutes in the air fryer or deep fryer.

Ingredients 

For the Hot Honey Rub (makes ~1/4 cup):

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons honey powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder, optional

For the chicken:

  • 2 pounds chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the finish:

  • 1/3 cup honey, for drizzle, optional
  • Neutral oil, for frying or air fryer spray

Instructions

  • Mix the Hot Honey Rub. Whisk all rub ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
  • Brine the chicken. Pat tenders dry, season with salt and pepper, and soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (up to 4 hours).
  • Mix the breading. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish.
  • Bread the tenders. Lift each tender from the buttermilk, let excess drip, then press firmly into the flour mixture. Rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  • Cook the chicken.
  • Air fryer: 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Deep fry: 350°F oil for 5–7 minutes until golden.
  • Oven: 425°F on a wire rack for 22–25 minutes.
  • Internal temp must hit 165°F.
  • Toss in the rub. While tenders are still hot, transfer to a bowl, sprinkle the full batch of Hot Honey Rub over the top, and toss gently to coat.
  • Drizzle and serve. Warm the honey 15 seconds in the microwave, drizzle over the tenders, and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese.

Equipment

  • Air fryer (or deep fryer / Dutch oven)
  • Wire Rack
  • Mixing Bowls, optional
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read thermometer

Notes

  • No honey powder? Substitute 1 extra tablespoon brown sugar plus 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch.
  • Make it spicier: Double the cayenne or add 1/4 teaspoon ghost pepper powder for atomic-level heat.
  • Make-ahead rub: Mix and store in an airtight jar for up to 3 months.
  • Storage: Cooked tenders keep 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a 375°F air fryer for 4–6 minutes. Never microwave — it kills the crunch.
  • Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 404kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 36gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 1071mgPotassium: 702mgFiber: 1gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 630IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 2mg