Print

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Juicy Inside, Sweet and Spicy Glaze

A close-up of crispy hot honey chicken tenders piled high on a white plate, showing the juicy white interior.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make homemade hot honey chicken tenders that achieve maximum crispiness outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside. This recipe details how to build the perfect sweet and spicy hot honey glaze for a crowd-pleasing meal or game day snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. Set up the dredging station: In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Dip each tender first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Next, dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Place coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  4. Cook the chicken (Frying Method): Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place tenders into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove and place on a clean wire rack to drain excess oil.
  5. Cook the chicken (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray. Cook in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Make the hot honey glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
  7. Glaze the tenders: Place the hot, crispy chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the prepared hot honey glaze over the tenders. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, chill the breaded tenders in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before cooking.
  • If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the glaze.
  • Serve these as a game day appetizer with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrition

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