These oven-baked Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are spicy, crispy, and glazed with sweet, buttery hot honey. A healthier take on a Southern classic, they’re perfect for dinner, snacking, or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1½ lbs chicken tenders
1 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp hot sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Cooking spray or oil
For the glaze:
¼ cup unsalted butter
⅓ cup honey
2 tbsp hot sauce
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
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Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
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Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices in one bowl. Beat eggs in another. Put panko in a third bowl.
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Dredge each tender in flour mix, dip in egg, then coat with panko.
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Arrange on the rack and mist lightly with oil.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway, until crisp and golden.
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Melt butter, then stir in honey, hot sauce, paprika, cayenne, and vinegar. Simmer briefly.
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Brush glaze over baked tenders and serve warm.