Oven-Baked Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Why make this recipe
Oven-Baked Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders combine the crispy goodness of chicken tenders with a sweet and spicy kick. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, a game day snack, or just when you want something comforting and delicious. Plus, baking instead of frying makes them a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor!
How to make Oven-Baked Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
To start, gather all your ingredients. This will help the cooking process go smoothly. The steps are easy to follow, so let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Take the chicken tenders out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge them in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. This will help them get crispy.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and completely cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey and hot sauce over low heat. Stir until warmed and well mixed.
- Once the chicken tenders are done, drizzle the hot honey mixture over them before serving.
How to serve Oven-Baked Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are great on their own, but you can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. Pair them with coleslaw or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also make a fantastic appetizer for get-togethers!
How to store Oven-Baked Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep them crispy.
Tips to make Oven-Baked Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the flour mixture for extra crunch.
- Don’t skip the resting time in the buttermilk; it makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
Variation
You can toss the baked chicken tenders in different sauces if you want a different flavor. Try BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce for a twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer.
2. Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds flavor and tenderness, but you can substitute it with plain yogurt or regular milk if needed.
3. Can I make these chicken tenders in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake them when you’re ready to eat.

Oven-Baked Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Take the chicken tenders out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge them in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them get crispy.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and completely cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey and hot sauce over low heat. Stir until warmed and well mixed.
- Once the chicken tenders are done, drizzle the hot honey mixture over them before serving.
