Description
Crispy and flavorful Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken tenders are coated in a seasoned cornflake and panko breadcrumb mixture, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This easy-to-make American main course offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, ideal for a satisfying family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack over the baking sheet for even cooking and crispiness.
- Combine Coating Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, mix together the crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned breadcrumb coating.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with milk until well combined. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, then thoroughly coat with the cornflake breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly covered for maximum crunch.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to enhance browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until warmed and the sauce is smooth, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the baked chicken tenders just before serving for a perfect sweet and spicy finish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, baking the chicken on a wire rack is recommended to allow air circulation around the tenders.
- Serve with ranch dressing, coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal.
