Print

Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Close-up of crispy hot honey chicken tenders piled on a white plate, glistening with sweet and spicy glaze.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make ultra-crispy chicken tenders baked to golden perfection and coated in a homemade sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This recipe keeps the chicken juicy inside and is perfect for a weeknight chicken dinner or game day chicken bites.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 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 (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and lightly spray the rack with cooking spray. This helps air circulate for a crispier exterior.
  2. Prepare the chicken for breading. In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second dish, lightly beat the eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the tender firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  4. Place the breaded tenders on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. 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, if using. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
  7. Once the chicken tenders are cooked, immediately 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 sweet and spicy glaze.
  8. Serve the hot honey chicken tenders immediately as an easy chicken appetizer or main dish.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness when baking, you can spray the tops of the breaded tenders lightly with cooking spray before placing them in the oven.
  • If you prefer an air fryer method, cook the tenders at 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, before tossing them in the glaze.
  • You can make the hot honey sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it before tossing the cooked chicken.

Nutrition

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