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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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