Description

Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders combine tender chicken coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and Parmesan crust, baked to golden perfection and served with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfectly balanced with smoky paprika, turmeric, and a kick of cayenne, these tenders are a delicious and easy meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Coating

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

Hot Honey Sauce

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

Garnish

Green onions, chopped (or cilantro, or parsley)

Instructions

Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 450° F (232° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
Season and coat the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and the grated Parmesan, mixing until the chicken is lightly coated. Next, add the beaten egg and 2 tablespoons hot sauce, tossing well to ensure every piece is covered. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup flour, smoked paprika, and turmeric over the chicken and toss again to coat thoroughly.
Arrange and oil the chicken: Spread the coated chicken tenders evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over each piece to promote crispiness during baking.
Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a crispy, golden crust.
Make the hot honey sauce: While the chicken is nearing completion, combine the honey, 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, but do not boil to preserve the flavor and texture.
Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken tenders or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, warm it briefly in the microwave for about 5 seconds to loosen.
Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley over the tenders for a fresh finish and serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

You can use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Adjust the amount of cayenne and hot sauce in the sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
Drizzling oil or melted butter helps to achieve the crispiness of the chicken when baking.
The sauce can be warmed gently and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, Baked Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Spicy Honey Sauce, Easy Chicken Recipe, Gluten Free Chicken