Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors. This easy air-fried recipe delivers golden, crunchy chicken with a sticky hot honey sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• 1 cup flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
• 1 teaspoon pepper (divided)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (for sauce)
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt (for sauce)
• ½ teaspoon cracked pepper (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and garlic powder. In a separate dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix panko bread crumbs with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
2. Step 2: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko mixture until fully coated.
3. Step 3: Spray the coated chicken tenders liberally with cooking spray to help them crisp up during cooking.
4. Step 4: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
5. Step 5: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes. Flip the tenders, spritz again with oil spray, and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine butter, honey, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cracked pepper. Heat over low, stirring often until butter melts and the sauce is well blended.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken tenders or serve it on the side as a flavorful dip.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before air frying to help the panko adhere better.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level in the hot honey sauce.
• Serve with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing if you prefer a milder contrast.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. The hot honey sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to one week and reheated gently before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of air frying?

Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Is the hot honey sauce spicy?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat from the cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to taste. You can reduce or omit cayenne for a sweeter, milder sauce.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 443 reviews

Crispy air-fried chicken tenders coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and drizzled with a spicy, buttery hot honey sauce for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken Tenders

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• 1 cup flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
• 1 teaspoon pepper (divided)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Hot Honey Sauce

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the breading stations: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
2. Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the flour mixture, coating evenly, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the panko to ensure an even crust.
3. Prepare for air frying: Generously spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy crust during cooking.
4. Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes, then turn the chicken over and spritz again with cooking spray. Continue air frying for an additional 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
5. Make the hot honey sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir frequently until the butter melts and the sauce is well combined and warm.
6. Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken tenders or serve it alongside as a dipping sauce for added flavor and heat.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce to control the level of spiciness.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken tenders by repeating the egg and panko step.
• Use a light cooking spray like olive oil or avocado oil for best results in the air fryer.
• Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after air frying to allow juices to redistribute.

Keywords: hot honey chicken tenders, air fryer chicken tenders, spicy honey chicken, crispy chicken tenders, panko chicken tenders