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“Crispy hot honey chicken tenders on a serving platter”

Name: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Summary: Crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders coated in a mouthwatering sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. A crowd-pleasing comfort food recipe that's perfect for dinner, game day, or a spicy snack craving.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • For the Chicken Tenders:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast strips
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk or milk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Canola or vegetable oil for frying
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce Frank’s, Sriracha, etc.
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Deep skillet or air fryer
  • Wire rack & baking sheet (if baking)
  • Tongs
  • Saucepan (for glaze)
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Prep the Chicken:
  3. Pat chicken tenders dry. Whisk eggs and buttermilk in a bowl. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings.
  4. Dredge the Chicken:
  5. Dip each tender into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mix. Let rest on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes.
  6. Cook:
  7. To Fry: Heat oil to 350°F and fry in batches for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a rack.
  8. To Bake: Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  9. To Air-Fry: Air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping once.
  10. Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
  11. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  12. Toss & Serve:
  13. Drizzle the glaze over the hot tenders and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately with dipping sauces or sides.

Notes

Notes:
Double-dip the tenders for extra crunch.
Adjust spice level by changing hot sauce quantity.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.