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Ultra Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Homemade Sweet & Spicy Glaze

A pile of crispy, sesame-crusted hot honey chicken tenders drizzled with sweet, sticky glaze.
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Make incredibly crispy chicken tenders that stay juicy inside, coated in a perfectly balanced homemade hot honey glaze. This easy recipe is great for weeknight dinners or game day appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • Cooking spray or oil for baking
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken tender strips in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  2. Set up the breading station: In one shallow dish, combine the flour and panko breadcrumbs. In a second shallow dish, whisk the egg.
  3. Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg, then press firmly back into the flour/panko mixture to create a thick, crunchy coating.
  4. Bake the tenders: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the coated tenders on the rack in a single layer. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray or oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  5. Make the hot honey glaze: While the chicken bakes, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
  6. Glaze and serve: Once the tenders are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey glaze over the tenders and toss gently until they are fully coated. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can use an air fryer. Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer for an extra minute or two until it reduces slightly.
  • Serve these with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastetaught.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders-crispy-recipe/