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Extra Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders (Baked or Air Fryer)

A pile of crispy, golden-brown hot honey chicken tenders coated in a shiny, sticky glaze, served on a white plate.
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Make homemade hot honey chicken tenders that are wonderfully crispy outside and juicy within. This recipe shows you how to build that perfect spicy sweet glaze for your next meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Cooking spray or oil for baking/air frying
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (use your favorite brand)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken tender strips in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare your dredging station. In one shallow dish, combine the flour. In a second shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, press firmly into the panko mixture to coat completely.
  4. To Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the tenders in a single layer and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  5. To Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the basket. Place tenders in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
  6. While the chicken cooks, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
  7. Once the chicken tenders are cooked and crispy, place them in 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 honey sauce.
  8. Serve your perfectly crispy hot honey chicken tenders immediately.

Notes

  • For the crispiest baked tenders, use a wire rack set inside your baking sheet to allow air circulation around the bottom of the chicken.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce cool slightly after heating; it will thicken as it cools.
  • Serve these as a game day finger food or alongside a simple salad for a weeknight chicken dinner.

Nutrition

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