Description
Succulent Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders elevate classic comfort food with a spicy-sweet twist that dances between crisp breading and luscious honey glaze. Southern-style techniques merge with bold flavor profiles, promising a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs (0.91 kg) boneless chicken tenders
Coating and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) + ½ cup (120 ml) flour
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients and Toppings:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) hot sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) honey
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) hot sauce
- 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
- Green onions, cilantro, or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Activate the oven to a scorching 450°F (230°C), positioning a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for the chicken transformation.
- Introduce chicken to a flavor carnival, sprinkling onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper with enthusiastic tossing.
- Dust the seasoned chicken with flour and parmesan, creating a preliminary coating that promises crunch and depth.
- Baptize the chicken pieces in beaten egg and hot sauce, ensuring every morsel becomes thoroughly saturated with zesty potential.
- Execute the final coating ritual by introducing remaining flour, smoked paprika, and turmeric, meticulously ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Strategically position chicken pieces on the baking sheet, maintaining generous spacing, then anoint with olive oil or melted butter to amplify the impending crispiness.
- Roast in the heated oven for 15-20 minutes until the exterior achieves a golden, crackling perfection.
- Meanwhile, craft the hot honey sauce by gently warming honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder over minimal heat, preserving the delicate flavor balance.
- Liberate the crispy tenders from the oven and immediately drizzle with the warm honey sauce, or present the sauce separately for personalized dipping adventures.
- Elevate the presentation by scattering chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley, transforming the dish into a vibrant culinary masterpiece ready for immediate consumption.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by modifying hot sauce quantities to suit individual heat preferences.
- Swap chicken tenders with tofu or cauliflower florets for vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains crispy texture.
- Pat chicken thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and better flour adherence during coating process.
- Use gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising recipe’s overall flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg