Hot Honey Crispy Tenders

This spicy-sweet hot honey chicken tenders recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion that satisfies both comfort food cravings and adventurous taste buds. The combination of crispy baked chicken with the sticky, sweet heat of homemade hot honey creates an irresistible dish that works for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something quick that would still impress my family. The first time I made these tenders, my usually picky eaters cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. Now they regularly request my "special spicy chicken" whenever friends come over.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: Fresh, never frozen tenders provide the juiciest results, but frozen work well when thawed completely
• Onion and garlic powder: These provide aromatic depth without the texture of fresh aromatics, creating a smoother coating
• Flour: Creates the crispy exterior. Look for unbleached all-purpose for best results
• Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and saltiness to the coating. Use freshly grated for superior flavor
• Egg: Acts as the glue that holds the breading together
• Hot sauce: Adds tang and heat to both chicken and sauce. Choose a vinegar-based one like Frank's or Louisiana
• Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness. Spanish varieties offer the most authentic flavor
• Turmeric: Adds beautiful color and earthy notes
• Honey: Forms the base of the sauce. Local wildflower honey offers wonderful complexity
• Cayenne and chipotle: Create the heat profile. Adjust based on your spice tolerance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Coat your chicken tenders thoroughly with the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, making sure every piece gets an even coating. This first layer of flavor is crucial as it seasons the meat itself before adding the breading layers. Take your time here and really work the seasonings into each tender.

Create the First Coating:

Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and grated parmesan directly to your seasoned chicken. This initial dry coating helps the egg mixture adhere better to the chicken. Toss everything together until each piece has a light dusting, creating a foundation for the crispy exterior.

Add the Wet Ingredients:

Pour the beaten egg and hot sauce over your floured chicken pieces. Mix thoroughly until every piece is completely coated in the wet mixture. This sticky layer acts as the glue that will help the final coating adhere properly and stay put during baking.

Apply the Final Coating:

Sprinkle the remaining flour, smoked paprika, and turmeric over the chicken. Use your hands to gently toss and press the coating onto each piece. Ensure complete coverage for maximum crispiness. The turmeric not only adds flavor but gives the tenders a beautiful golden color.

Arrange and Prepare for Baking:

Place the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet with enough space between pieces to allow hot air circulation. Brush or drizzle each piece with olive oil or melted butter, which helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior in the oven.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the tenders in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and crispy exterior. For extra crispiness, you can flip them halfway through the cooking time, though this is optional.

Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:

While the chicken bakes, gently warm all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure everything combines smoothly. The sauce should be warm but never boiling, which would alter the honey's flavor and texture.

Serve and Garnish:

Drizzle the warm hot honey over your freshly baked tenders or serve it alongside for dipping. The contrast between the crispy coating and the sticky, spicy sweet sauce creates the perfect bite. Garnish with fresh herbs for color and a brightness that complements the rich flavors.

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I am particularly fond of the smoked paprika in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power years ago when my Spanish neighbor brought me a tin from her hometown. The slight smokiness adds incredible depth that regular paprika simply cannot match, creating what my children call the "restaurant flavor."

Make-Ahead Tips

These chicken tenders can be prepared up to the coating stage and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply place them on a plate in a single layer, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for the most even cooking.

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Perfect Pairings

The sweet heat of these tenders pairs beautifully with cooling sides like coleslaw or a simple green salad with ranch dressing. For a complete meal, serve alongside sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables. The honey sauce also works wonderfully drizzled over the sides, creating a cohesive flavor profile throughout the meal. My family particularly loves these with homemade pickle chips, as the tangy acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.

Heat Level Customization

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different spice preferences. For a milder version that children will enjoy, reduce the cayenne to just a pinch and use a milder hot sauce like Frank's RedHot. For heat enthusiasts, add a finely diced fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper to the honey sauce, or incorporate a dash of ghost pepper sauce for serious spice. Remember that the heat will intensify slightly as the sauce sits, so taste and adjust before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Brush the chicken tenders with olive oil or melted butter before baking to enhance crispiness and golden color.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the hot honey sauce?

Yes, reduce or increase the cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your heat preference.

→ What can I use if I don't have chipotle chili powder?

You can substitute with smoked paprika or regular chili powder for a milder flavor.

→ Can I make these tenders gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free flour substitute for the breading and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

→ Is there an alternative to baking these tenders?

Yes, you can fry the chicken tenders in oil until golden and crispy for a more traditional method.