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The Ultimate Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Juicy Inside, Sweet & Spicy Glaze

A stack of crispy, golden hot honey chicken tenders glistening with sweet and spicy glaze, served on a white plate.
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Make hot honey chicken tenders that are wonderfully crispy outside and juicy within. This recipe shows you how to build that perfect spicy sweet glaze for your next meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare your dredging station. Place the flour in one shallow dish and mix the flour with the panko breadcrumbs in a second shallow dish.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender first in the plain flour, shaking off any excess. Then, press the tender firmly into the flour/panko mixture to coat completely. Set coated tenders on a wire rack.
  4. Heat about 1.5 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Carefully place the coated tenders into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  6. Remove the cooked tenders and place them on a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  7. While the chicken drains, make the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
  8. Place the crispy chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the tenders and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
  9. Serve the hot honey chicken tenders immediately for the best crunch.

Notes

  • For an air fryer method, spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss in the glaze after air frying.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the honey mixture for an extra minute until it reduces slightly.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs to achieve the shatteringly crisp texture mentioned in the search analysis.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders-crispy-recipe/