Oven-Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Sweet Heat Perfection

Introduction

If there’s one dish that has the power to make any weeknight feel special, it’s Oven-Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders. Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy chicken tender, bursting with flavor, then getting hit with that delightful kick of heat followed by a touch of sweet honey. It’s a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist!

I first stumbled upon the hot honey trend during a food festival, where I tried drizzling spicy honey over fried chicken. It was a game-changer! Fast forward to today, and I’ve turned that delicious idea into a healthier, oven-baked version that you can whip up at home without the guilt. Perfect for busy weeknights or fun weekend gatherings, these chicken tenders are bound to become a family favorite.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can serve these tenders with a variety of sides, dip them in your favorite sauces, or just enjoy them straight from the oven. Plus, you’ll get that satisfying crunch without having to fry anything! Let’s dive into the details and make these tasty tenders together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Delicious: The oven-baking method gives you all the crunch without the excess oil.
• Sweet and Spicy: The combination of hot honey and spices creates a flavor explosion that’s irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can nail this recipe.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These tenders can be made ahead of time and stored for easy meals throughout the week.
• Customizable: Adjust the level of heat and sweetness to suit your taste!

Picture this: a cozy evening, a platter of these tenders on the table, and your family digging in with smiles on their faces. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories, Protein: 28g, Carbs: 30g.

Ingredients

For these Oven-Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, you’ll need:

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders: Juicy and tender, they’re perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
• 1 cup buttermilk: This helps tenderize the chicken and adds moisture.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended): For that ultimate crunch.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This creates a lovely coating for the chicken.
• 2 large eggs: They act as a binder for the breadcrumbs.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a nice smokiness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey: The sweet base of your sauce.
• 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes: Adjust for your preferred level of heat.
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional): For an extra kick.
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess to balance the sweetness.

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Chicken Tenders: They’re tender, quick to cook, and perfect for this recipe. You can also use chicken breasts cut into strips if you prefer.
• Buttermilk: This is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken tenders. It tenderizes the meat while infusing it with moisture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These create an extra crispy coating that you can’t achieve with regular breadcrumbs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make your Oven-Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for achieving crispy chicken tenders!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken tenders and ensure they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge if you have time). This will make them super tender and flavorful!

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station

• While the chicken is marinating, set up your breading station:
• In one bowl, place the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
• In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
• In a third bowl, place the Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

• Once the chicken is marinated, take each tender out of the buttermilk and let the excess drip off.
• First, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Next, dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off.
• Finally, coat it with the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.
• Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken Tenders

• Once all the tenders are coated, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

• While the chicken is baking, it’s time to prepare the hot honey sauce! In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
• Stir gently and heat until warm—this should take just a few minutes. If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste!

Step 7: Glaze the Chicken

• Once the chicken tenders are out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey sauce over them while they’re still warm.
• If you want, toss the chicken tenders in a bowl with the sauce for an even coating.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve the chicken tenders warm, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or chopped herbs if desired. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, a fresh salad, or even some crispy fries for a complete meal.

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your chicken tenders:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or a tangy barbecue sauce to complement the sweet heat.
• On a Salad: Chop the tenders and toss them on a bed of greens with your favorite salad toppings and dressing for a light meal.
• In a Sandwich: Use the tenders to create a delicious sandwich or wrap with fresh veggies and your choice of sauce.
• With a Side of Fries: Crispy fries or sweet potato fries make for a classic pairing with these tenders.

Additional Tips

Here are five helpful tips to ensure your chicken tenders turn out perfectly:

1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They provide the best crunch and texture. If you can’t find Panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be as crispy.
2. Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have the time, marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours (or overnight) will give you even more tender and flavorful tenders.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Make sure to give the tenders enough space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping!
4. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to tweak the amount of red pepper flakes or hot sauce in the honey sauce to suit your personal preference.
5. Serve Immediately: These tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for that unbeatable crunch. If you need to keep them warm, place them on a wire rack in a warm oven until serving.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize your chicken tenders with these variations:

• Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders: Omit the red pepper flakes and hot sauce from the honey sauce and add minced garlic instead for a sweet garlic flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Tenders: Swap the hot honey sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce for a classic twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Toss the cooked tenders in buffalo sauce instead of the hot honey for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused Tenders: Add dried herbs like Italian seasoning or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some side dishes and beverages that pair wonderfully with your hot honey chicken tenders:

• Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy coleslaw balances the heat of the chicken.
• Mac and Cheese: The creaminess of mac and cheese makes for a comforting side.

– Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until crispy.

Refreshing Beverages: A cold lemonade or iced tea helps to cool down the heat from the chicken.

Freezing and Storage

Storing and freezing your chicken tenders is easy:

• Storage: Keep any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked and cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Special Equipment

While this recipe can be made with basic kitchen tools, having these items can help:

• Baking Sheet: A good quality baking sheet is essential for even cooking.
• Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Wire Rack: If you have one, placing the tenders on a wire rack while baking allows hot air to circulate for extra crispiness.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you out:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just cut them into strips of similar size to ensure even cooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While it’s not absolutely necessary, marinating the chicken in buttermilk significantly enhances the tenderness and flavor.

Can I bake the chicken at a lower temperature?
You can bake at a lower temperature, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Aim for a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes.

What’s the best way to reheat the chicken tenders?
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?
Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it! Oven-Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders that are crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every spicy-sweet bite.

Don’t forget to share your culinary adventures with me! Snap a photo of your chicken tenders and tag me on Instagram. I can’t wait to see how they turn out in your kitchen! Enjoy!

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