Name: Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons flour or gluten-free flour; 1/2 cup flour or gluten-free flour; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; Olive oil or melted butter, for drizzling; 1/2 cup honey; 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce; 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper; 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Green onions, chopped (or cilantro, or parsley)

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless chicken tenders

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup flour or gluten-free flour

2 tablespoons grated parmesan

1 egg, beaten

2 tablespoons hot sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Olive oil or melted butter, for drizzling

1/2 cup honey

2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (for the sauce)

1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper

3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for the sauce)

1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for the sauce)

Green onions, cilantro, or parsley for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons flour and grated parmesan, then toss again to combine.

Step 3: Add the beaten egg and 2 tablespoons hot sauce to the bowl. Toss until all the chicken is well coated.

Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup flour, smoked paprika, and turmeric over the chicken and toss to coat each piece evenly.

Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter evenly over the tenders.

Step 6: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy on the outside.

Step 7: While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, gently warm honey, 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat until warmed through but do not boil.

Step 8: When the chicken is done, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. If the sauce thickens, warm it briefly in the microwave before serving.

Step 9: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley and enjoy your crispy baked hot honey chicken tenders!

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken sit for 10 minutes before baking to allow the flour to adhere better.

Use gluten-free flour if you want a gluten-free option without sacrificing texture.

Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce amounts to control the heat level of the sauce to your preference.

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for a cooling contrast.

FAQs

Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, this recipe is designed for baking to achieve a crispy texture without frying, making it a healthier and less messy alternative.

How spicy are these chicken tenders?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce used in the sauce. Start with less if you prefer milder heat and add more to suit your taste.