Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, featuring crispy baked chicken tenders drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce. The honey adds a delicious sweetness, while the hot sauce brings just the right amount of heat to create an irresistible flavor combination. Whether you’re serving these for dinner or preparing them for meal prep, these tenders are sure to be a hit! This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also a healthier option with the chicken being baked instead of fried. The crispy panko coating provides that crunchy texture we all love, while the hot honey glaze takes the flavor to the next level. Serve these with a side of veggies, over a salad, or with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or any time you’re craving something sweet and spicy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Prepare three bowls: In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the panko mixture. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders to help them crisp up during baking.
  5. Bake the chicken tenders for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
  6. While the tenders are baking, combine honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until well mixed and slightly thickened.
  7. Once the tenders are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle with the hot honey sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders have gained immense popularity in recent years, becoming a go-to dish for food enthusiasts who appreciate the harmony of sweet and spicy flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or looking for a crowd-pleaser at a gathering, these tenders deliver a taste sensation that satisfies both the craving for comfort food and the desire for bold flavors. In this article, we’ll explore the origin of the hot honey trend, the health benefits of baking versus frying, the versatility of this dish, and tips to customize it to suit various dietary preferences. By the end, you’ll see why Hot Honey Chicken Tenders deserve a spot on your recipe rotation.

The Rise of Hot Honey

The combination of sweet honey with spicy chili peppers isn’t a new concept. Cultures around the world have long enjoyed the pairing of sweet and heat in their culinary traditions, from Southeast Asian cuisine to Latin American flavors. However, hot honey as we know it today — drizzled over fried or baked foods — really took off in the U.S. when entrepreneurs began marketing hot honey as a condiment in the early 2010s. It’s become a staple in many kitchens, known for its ability to elevate simple dishes with a complex layer of flavor.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the perfect canvas for this unique condiment. The tenders themselves are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture that enhances the chicken’s natural taste. But the true star is the hot honey glaze. Made by combining honey and hot sauce, the glaze adds a sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy layer that complements the savory chicken without overwhelming it.

Baked, Not Fried: A Healthier Choice

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is that the chicken tenders are baked instead of fried. This makes them a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken tenders, which can be high in unhealthy fats and calories. Baking the chicken tenders at a high temperature ensures they get crispy and golden brown without the need for deep frying. A light drizzle of olive oil before baking helps the breadcrumbs crisp up, mimicking the texture of fried chicken without the added guilt.

In addition to being lower in fat, baking also cuts down on the amount of oil absorbed by the chicken. This results in tenders that are less greasy but still full of flavor. For health-conscious individuals or anyone looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing taste, baked chicken tenders are a perfect solution. They’re ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or even as a snack on game days.

The Versatility of Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

One of the greatest things about Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is their versatility. You can serve them in many different ways, depending on your mood and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy them:

  • As a Main Dish: Pair the tenders with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even some homemade coleslaw. The sweet and spicy flavor of the chicken works well with fresh, cool sides that balance the heat.
  • In a Wrap or Sandwich: Tuck the tenders into a warm tortilla or sandwich roll, and top with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a drizzle of extra hot honey for a satisfying, portable meal. Add some melted cheese for a truly indulgent treat.
  • On a Salad: For a lighter option, slice the tenders and toss them on top of a mixed greens salad with avocado, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. The chicken adds protein and a burst of flavor that makes a simple salad much more exciting.
  • As an Appetizer: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders can easily be served as finger food at parties or gatherings. Just cut them into smaller pieces and offer a variety of dipping sauces — ranch, blue cheese, or even more hot honey — to give your guests options.
  • For Meal Prep: These tenders reheat beautifully, making them a great choice for meal prep. You can bake a batch at the start of the week and use them for different meals, such as salads, sandwiches, or even with a side of rice or quinoa.

Customizing the Recipe to Your Preferences

While the basic recipe for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is delicious as is, it’s also easy to customize to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe to suit different tastes or health goals:

  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the tenders safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You won’t lose any of the crunch, and the flavors will still shine.
  • Lower Carb Version: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a crispy coating that’s lower in carbs. The hot honey glaze can still be made with sugar-free honey substitutes to keep the sweet and spicy balance.
  • Spicier Version: For those who love extra heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breadcrumb mixture or add some hot sauce directly to the chicken before breading. You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce in the glaze — try a habanero-based sauce for a more intense kick.
  • Vegan Alternative: If you’re looking to make a plant-based version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken tenders with tofu, cauliflower, or even tempeh. The breadcrumb coating and hot honey glaze work just as well on these vegetarian-friendly options. Use agave nectar or maple syrup as a substitute for honey to keep the glaze vegan-friendly.
  • Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, this recipe works beautifully in it. Air frying the tenders can give them an extra crispy texture without the need for much oil. Cook them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

While this recipe is fairly simple, there are a few tips to ensure that your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time:

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh chicken tenders for the best texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before breading and baking.
  2. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Drizzling olive oil over the tenders before baking helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely in the oven. If you’re using an air fryer, you can lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray to achieve the same effect.
  3. Heat the Honey and Hot Sauce Together: Gently heating the honey and hot sauce together helps them meld into a smooth, cohesive glaze. Be careful not to overheat it, though, as honey can burn easily.
  4. Serve Immediately: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are best served fresh from the oven, while they’re still crispy and the glaze is warm. If you’re prepping them ahead of time, hold off on adding the glaze until just before serving to prevent the tenders from becoming soggy.

Conclusion:

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a winning recipe that combines the best of both worlds: sweet and spicy flavors paired with a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re baking them for a healthy weeknight meal, prepping for the week ahead, or serving them as a fun appetizer at a party, these tenders are sure to impress. The hot honey glaze is what sets this dish apart, adding a bold and exciting flavor that’s hard to resist.

The versatility of this dish means you can easily adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs. From gluten-free to vegan, from extra spicy to mild, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders can be customized to suit any occasion. The next time you’re in the mood for something a little different, give this recipe a try  it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home!

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