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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Bites

A tempting mound of crispy, glazed hot honey chicken tenders piled high on a white plate.
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Make these hot honey chicken tenders that are crispy outside and juicy inside. You achieve the perfect sweet and spicy balance with a homemade glaze, making them ideal for a weeknight chicken dinner or a game day snack.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into uniform tender strips if needed. In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Set up the dredging station: In a second dish, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat the tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the egg/buttermilk mixture. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  4. Cook the tenders: For frying, heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry tenders in batches for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Drain on a wire rack. For baking, place tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 380°F (195°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
  5. Make the hot honey glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
  6. Glaze the chicken: Place the cooked, crispy chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the tenders and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
  7. Serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • For the crispiest coating, let the breaded tenders rest on a rack for 10 minutes before cooking.
  • If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the hot sauce in the glaze or substitute it with a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Serve these flavorful chicken strips with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

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