Hot Honey Baked Chicken Tenders

What sets this recipe apart is its perfect blend of flavors—sweet, spicy, and savory. The chicken tenders are enveloped in a sticky, aromatic glaze that infuses each bite with a delightful contrast. Hot honey, the star ingredient, provides a unique taste that elevates the dish to new heights. The tender chicken, marinated to perfection, pairs beautifully with the crunchy coating, creating a textural experience that is both satisfying and addictive.

Discover a culinary delight with Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Baked Chicken Tenders that perfectly balance sweetness and spice. This easy recipe features juicy chicken tenders marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, coated in crunchy Panko for texture, and glazed with a flavorful hot honey sauce. Ideal for family dinners or game day snacks, these tenders can be served alone or paired with your favorite dips and sides. Elevate your meals with this irresistible dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)

1/2 cup flour

2 large eggs

1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders to the mixture, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Coating: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade; allow excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.

Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching to allow even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, whisk together the hot honey and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust the sweetness and heat according to your taste preference, adding more vinegar for tanginess or more honey for sweetness.

Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce over the hot tenders. Toss them gently to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy! Serve your hot honey baked chicken tenders with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and your favorite dipping vegetables for a delicious meal or snack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 4