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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders offer a perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a golden crunchy crust, glazed with a sticky, sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Quick to make and versatile enough for snacks, appetizers, or meals, this crowd-pleasing recipe balances bold flavors with kid-friendly appeal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or parties.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free panko for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Hot Honey Glaze

  • ½ cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with chili flakes)

Cooking

  • Oil for frying (vegetable oil or preferred cooking oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. This will create a triple-layer coating for the tenders.
  2. Dredge the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then press into the flour and breadcrumb mixture until thoroughly covered. Repeat for all tenders.
  3. Cook the Tenders: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and cooked through.
  4. Drizzle with Hot Honey: Transfer cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, generously drizzle or brush the hot honey glaze over the tenders for a sticky, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Let tenders rest briefly on a wire rack after cooking to avoid sogginess.
  • Make your own hot honey by infusing honey with fresh chili flakes.
  • For a thicker crust, double-dip tenders in egg and coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot honey, chicken tenders, crispy chicken, spicy, sweet and spicy, appetizer, gluten-free option, quick recipe