Hey there!
These Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in the sweet and spicy sauce of your dreams. You get all the crunchy fried-chicken vibes—without frying. It’s a total comfort food moment, made lighter and easier in the oven. And that hot honey drizzle? Oh yeah. It seals the deal.
🧂 What You’ll Need
For the chicken:
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders or breast strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the hot honey glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1½ tsp hot sauce
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made these, I dipped one in the glaze, took a bite, and literally said “wow” out loud. The crunch from the oven baking is unreal, and the hot honey brings this perfect balance of heat and sweet. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but isn’t over the top.
- Super crispy without deep frying
- That hot honey is seriously addicting
- Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken
- Perfect for game day, lunch, or weeknight dinner
- Leftovers? Still delicious the next day
🍽️ Servings + Time
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marinate time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
📊 Macros (Per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 15g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Buttermilk breaks down proteins in the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. Panko breadcrumbs give it that classic crunch, and parmesan helps the coating stick and adds savory flavor. Baking at a high temp crisps everything up—especially with a little oil spray. The hot honey glaze adds a glossy finish and a big hit of flavor.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not marinating the chicken: Even 30 minutes makes it way more tender.
- Skipping oil spray: A light coating helps the breading crisp instead of dry out.
- Using regular breadcrumbs: Panko gives you that extra crunch—don’t swap it unless you have to.
- Pouring glaze too early: Glaze after baking or it’ll soak into the coating.
🍴 What to Serve With
- Roasted sweet potato fries
- Cornbread or biscuits
- A cool ranch or blue cheese dip
- Cucumber salad or coleslaw
- Mac and cheese if you’re feeling cozy
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
🔁 Substitutions + Variations
- Chicken: Use boneless thighs or cutlets if you like
- No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- Hot honey: Adjust the spice to your heat level—or use plain honey for a milder version
- Cheese: Swap parmesan for pecorino or skip if dairy-free
⏱ Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance
- Bread the chicken and keep it chilled for a few hours before baking
- Make the hot honey glaze and store at room temp until ready to drizzle
👨🍳 How to Make Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Add 1½ lbs chicken tenders to a bowl. Pour in 1 cup buttermilk and 1 tsp hot sauce. Stir to coat, cover, and chill for 30 minutes to overnight.
Step 2: Prep the Breading
In a shallow bowl, mix 1½ cups panko, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Take chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Press into breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides. Set on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Tenders
Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray the breaded tenders with olive oil spray. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm 1/3 cup honey, 1½ tsp hot sauce, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until just melted and combined (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 6: Drizzle & Serve
Drizzle hot honey over baked tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy right away while they’re hot and crispy.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crisp
- Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the breading
- Glaze right before serving to keep texture crisp
❓ FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yep! Just slice them into strips and follow the same steps.
Is it really spicy?
You control the heat! Use more or less hot sauce or skip the red pepper flakes.
Do I need a wire rack for baking?
It helps with airflow and crispiness, but parchment paper works fine too.
Can I air fry them?
Totally—400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil before air frying.
🍯 That’s a Wrap
These Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy, sticky, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re making them for a chill weeknight dinner or showing off for guests, they’re gonna be a hit. Let me know how spicy you went or what you paired them with—I’m always down to hear your take!
Happy baking & drizzling! 💛🔥🍗