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Ultra-Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

A stack of crispy hot honey chicken tenders, one cut open to show the juicy white meat inside.

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Make incredibly crispy chicken tenders with a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy homemade hot honey glaze. This recipe delivers juicy chicken inside and a satisfying crunch outside, perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (use more for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons oil for baking

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. Set up a dredging station: Place flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
  4. Dip the floured tender into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
  5. Press the tender firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Spray the tops of the coated tenders generously with cooking spray or drizzle lightly with oil to help them crisp up.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  8. While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth and slightly bubbly. Remove from heat.
  9. Once the tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey glaze over the tenders. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated in the spicy sweet glaze.
  10. Serve immediately for the best texture. These are a craveable chicken tender recipe perfect for sharing.

Notes

  • For an air fryer method, cook the coated tenders at 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in the glaze.
  • If you want an even juicier inside crispy outside texture, you can briefly dip the floured tenders in buttermilk before the egg wash.
  • Serve these as your best game day appetizer with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrition

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