Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders combine a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with a crunchy coating. This easy-to-make dish is baked to perfection, making it a healthier alternative to fried tenders without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Olive oil or melted butter, for drizzling
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (for sauce)
- 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Green onions, cilantro, or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and the grated parmesan, then toss again to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Add the beaten egg and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup flour, smoked paprika, and ground turmeric over the chicken. Toss well to ensure every tender is coated in the seasoned flour.
- Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken tenders evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over each piece to help crisp the coating.
- Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Step 7: While the chicken bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, warm honey with 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder over low heat. Do not boil; just warm until combined and fragrant.
- Step 8: Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the baked chicken tenders or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, warm it for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.
- Step 9: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before baking.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerance.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling contrast to the spicy tenders.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350° F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. The hot honey sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week and reheated gently before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, omit the grated parmesan or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the recipe dairy-free.
What can I use instead of honey?
If you want a different sweetener, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, though the flavor will vary slightly.
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Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders combine the perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors with a crunchy texture. These chicken tenders are seasoned, coated in a flavorful flour mixture, and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a sticky, spicy hot honey drizzle, they are an irresistible snack or meal option that’s quick to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Olive oil or melted butter, for drizzling
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For Serving
- Green onions, chopped (or cilantro or parsley as preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly rubbing it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- First Flour and Parmesan Coat: Add 2 tablespoons of flour and the grated parmesan to the bowl. Toss the chicken again to distribute the flour and cheese evenly over the tenders.
- Egg and Hot Sauce Dip: Pour the beaten egg and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce over the chicken mixture. Toss well to coat every piece thoroughly, helping the coating stick to the chicken.
- Final Flour Coating: Add the remaining 1/2 cup flour, smoked paprika, and ground turmeric to the bowl. Toss everything well so the chicken pieces are fully coated with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Arrange and Oil Chicken: Spread the coated chicken tenders evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over each piece to help achieve crispiness during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine honey, 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce, cayenne pepper (adjust based on your heat preference), chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat without boiling, stirring to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Serve: Once the chicken tenders are baked, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over them or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. If the sauce thickens too much, rewarm for 5 seconds in the microwave before serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley over the finished dish for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantities according to your desired spice level.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Parmesan adds a nice umami flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- If olive oil or butter are not desired, use cooking spray to reduce fat slightly.
- For extra crispiness, flip chicken halfway through baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture retention.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked chicken tenders, hot honey chicken, crispy chicken, spicy chicken tenders, honey hot sauce, easy dinner, oven baked chicken
