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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Better Than Takeout

A stack of crispy, golden-brown hot honey chicken tenders glistening with sweet and spicy glaze on a white plate.
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Make these crispy hot honey chicken tenders using your air fryer or oven. They feature juicy chicken coated in a crunchy breading and drizzled with a homemade sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon butter (optional, for sauce richness)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken tender strips in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  2. Prepare your breading station. In one shallow dish, combine the flour and panko breadcrumbs. Mix them well.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour/panko mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to make it stick.
  4. Prepare your cooking method: For Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place tenders in a single layer, working in batches, and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). For Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and warm. If using, stir in the butter until melted. Remove from heat.
  6. 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.
  7. Serve your hot honey chicken tenders immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crunch in the oven or air fryer, spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking spray before cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly before tossing with the chicken.
  • You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for a different type of crunch.

Nutrition

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