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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

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3.8 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Lea
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Description

These Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are perfectly breaded and baked or air-fried to a golden crisp, then drizzled with a spicy, sweet hot honey glaze. This easy 25-minute recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a delightful kick, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack.

Ingredients

Chicken and Breading

  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders (10 - 12 pieces) or 3 chicken breasts cut into tenders
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs

Glaze

  • ⅓ - ½ cup hot honey (such as Mike’s, or homemade hot honey as per recipe notes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Heat your oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
  2. Set Up Breading Station: Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, mixing well.
  3. Prepare Chicken Tenders: Trim any fat or tendons from the chicken tenders. If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch thick strips. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks properly.
  4. Bread the Chicken Tenders: Coat each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the whisked eggs. Press firmly into the seasoned panko mixture until fully coated. Repeat for all tenders.
  5. Bake the Tenders (Oven Method): Arrange the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 10–14 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
  6. Air Fry the Tenders (Air Fryer Method): Place the breaded tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry at 380°F for 8–11 minutes until golden, crispy, and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Glaze the Chicken: Warm the hot honey in a microwave-safe dish for 20–30 seconds. While the tenders are still hot, drizzle or brush the warm hot honey over them so it clings to the crispy crust. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can make homemade hot honey by gently warming honey with chili flakes for about 5 minutes, then straining out the flakes.
  • Patting the chicken dry is essential for a crispy coating.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven or air fryer model.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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