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Ultimate Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders (Oven Baked & Air Fryer Options)

A stack of crispy, glazed hot honey chicken tenders, some cut open to show the juicy white meat inside.
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Make these irresistible hot honey chicken tenders for a weeknight dinner or game day snack. They feature a crispy coating and a perfect sweet and spicy glaze.

Ingredients

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  • 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 panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Cooking spray or oil for frying/baking
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for richer glaze)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken tender strips in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Set up your breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second dish, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
  3. Working with one tender at a time, dredge the chicken first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely. Place coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  4. Choose your cooking method:
  5. For Oven Baked: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  6. For Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray. Cook in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  7. While the chicken cooks, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. If using butter, stir it in until melted. Heat gently until just warm and combined; do not boil.
  8. Once the chicken tenders are cooked and crispy, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the tenders and toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Serve the hot honey chicken tenders immediately while they are crunchy.

Notes

  • For an extra crunchy texture, you can double-dip the tenders: after the first coating of panko, dip them back into the egg and then back into the panko.
  • If you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze, reduce the honey slightly or simmer the glaze longer until it thickens slightly.
  • These tenders pair well with ranch dressing or a simple side salad for a complete family meal.

Nutrition

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