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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Sweet and Spicy Glaze

A close-up of crispy hot honey chicken tenders piled high on a white plate, drizzled with glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
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Make irresistible hot honey chicken tenders that are crispy outside and juicy inside. This recipe delivers the perfect sweet and spicy balance in a homemade glaze, ideal for weeknight dinners or game day appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray or oil for baking/air frying
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (use more for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place chicken strips in a bowl. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Set up the dredging station: In a third shallow dish, whisk the eggs and milk together. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a fourth dish.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  4. Cook the tenders: For baking, arrange tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray generously with cooking spray or oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. For air frying, cook in a single layer at 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crispy.
  5. Make the hot honey glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly warmed through. Do not boil.
  6. Glaze the tenders: Once the chicken tenders are cooked and crispy, place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey glaze over the tenders and toss gently until every piece is coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.
  7. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness in the oven, use a convection setting if your oven has one.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly before tossing.
  • Serve these as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick fix chicken dinner.

Nutrition

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