Description
Make juicy chicken tenders crispy in the oven and coat them in a homemade glaze balancing sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat a wire rack with cooking spray; place the rack on the baking sheet.
- Set up a standard breading station: Place flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish. In a second dish, whisk the eggs and milk. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the tender firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops generously with cooking spray.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crisp.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze: Combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
- Once the tenders are cooked, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the tenders and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for the best crispiness.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can air fry the tenders at 380°F (195°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce for an extra minute or two until it reduces slightly.
- Use your favorite brand of hot sauce to control the flavor profile of the heat.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 22 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 105