Hot honey chicken tenders combine a shatteringly crisp coating with a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze that has everyone reaching for seconds. Hot honey was Google’s most-searched recipe of 2025, and this baked version brings the trend to your weeknight table.

These crispy baked hot honey chicken tenders use a buttermilk marinade and a Parmesan panko crust for juicy meat and a golden crunch. This easy hot honey chicken tenders recipe is perfect for dinner, game day, or meal prep.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time	15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time	22 minutes
Total Time	About 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings	4 servings
Category	Dinner / Chicken

Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Crispy coating baked, not fried
Juicy, tender chicken thanks to a buttermilk marinade
Sweet, spicy, and sticky hot honey glaze
Easy to adjust the heat level
Great for dinner, parties, and game day

Ingredients You’ll Need

1½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
¾ cup buttermilk and 1 teaspoon salt
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
For the hot honey: ⅓ cup honey, 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes

How to Make Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Combine the chicken, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl or zip-top bag and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet, then spray the rack with cooking spray.
Set up three shallow dishes: flour, the beaten egg, and the panko mixed with the Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Lift each tender from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then dredge in flour, dip in egg, and press firmly into the panko mixture.
Place the tenders on the rack, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through (165°F).
Warm the honey, hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan for 2 minutes, then toss or drizzle over the hot tenders.

Tips for the Best Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Bake on a wire rack so the bottoms stay crisp.
Press the panko firmly onto the chicken for a sturdy crust.
Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray for golden color.
Add the hot honey right before serving so the coating stays crisp.
Adjust the hot sauce to control the heat.

Variations to Try: Hot Honey Chicken Ideas

Make them in an air fryer at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Use chicken thighs for extra juicy tenders.
Serve in a sandwich or wrap with pickles and slaw.
Swap the hot sauce for sriracha or chili crisp.

How to Store It

Refrigerate leftover tenders and extra hot honey separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat tenders in a 400°F oven or air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, then drizzle with warmed hot honey. Freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hot honey?

Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers or mixed with hot sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.

How do you keep baked chicken tenders crispy?

Bake on a wire rack, use panko, and add the glaze right before serving.

Can I make hot honey chicken tenders in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.

Can I make hot honey ahead of time?

Yes. It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Warm it before drizzling.