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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Hot Honey Chicken Tenders made with tender chicken breast strips coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and air fried to golden perfection. Finished with a spicy and sweet hot honey sauce, these tenders are perfect as a snack or meal with a delightful 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 coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. In a separate shallow dish, beat the 2 large eggs thoroughly. In a third shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  2. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the seasoned flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the panko mixture to ensure an even and thorough coating.
  3. Prepare for air frying: Spray the coated chicken tenders liberally with cooking spray to help them crisp up during air frying.
  4. Air fry the tenders: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 4 minutes, then turn them over and spritz again with cooking spray. Continue air frying for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a crispy, golden-brown crust.
  5. Make the hot honey sauce: While the chicken cooks, place the butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked pepper into a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until butter is completely melted and the sauce is well combined.
  6. Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the cooked chicken tenders or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for a perfect spicy-sweet complement.

Notes

  • Adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
  • Ensure the chicken tenders are in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly based on the brand and size of your air fryer.
  • For extra crispiness, you can double coat the tenders by repeating the egg and panko steps.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or a side of fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Chicken, Spicy Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Sauce

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