If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch, you need to try this Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender chicken coated in crispy panko, smothered in a luscious honey and sriracha glaze that will dance on your palate. Whether you’re serving these up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a crowd-pleaser, this recipe shines with its bright lime notes and creamy dipping sauce to elevate every bite. Get ready to fall in love with a new favorite that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one is essential, bringing unique texture, flavor, or color to the dish—making it vibrant and irresistible from start to finish.
- 1 pound chicken fillets: Choose tender, boneless fillets for quick cooking and juicy results.
- 1 cup panko crumbs: Provides that signature crispy crust that makes these tenders so addictive.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps the egg wash coat the chicken evenly for perfect breading adherence.
- 1 egg: Acts as the glue that holds the panko in place during baking.
- 1/4 cup sriracha: Adds a bold, spicy kick that wakes up the honey’s sweetness.
- 1/2 cup honey: Delivers natural sweetness and beautifully caramelizes in the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and a touch of umami to balance flavors.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a mild tang to cut through the richness.
- Juice of 1 lime: Infuses fresh citrus notes that elevate the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: The base for a creamy dipping sauce that’s cool and tangy.
- 2 tablespoons mayo: Adds richness and smoothness to the dipping sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory complexity in the dip.
- Zest of 1 lime: Gives a fragrant citrus punch and eye-catching color.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into balance.
How to Make Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by cranking your oven to 425F and place a rack in the upper third of the oven. This hotter temperature ensures a golden, crispy crust on your chicken tenders while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Preparing your baking sheets and bowls ahead of time speeds things up and makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
In one bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In another, pour the panko crumbs. This classic breading setup is key for that perfect crunchy coating that sticks wonderfully to the chicken once dipped.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Fillets
One by one, dip each chicken piece into the egg and milk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, then press them firmly into the panko crumbs so every surface is coated. Arrange the tenders on a non-stick baking sheet, giving each piece enough space to crisp up evenly when baked.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Cooked Through
Pop the tenders into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the outside turns delightfully golden and the chicken’s juices run clear. This step locks in juiciness and ensures a satisfying bite that’s not greasy but full of flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Sriracha Honey Glaze and Dipping Sauce
While the chicken bakes, whisk together the sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lime juice in one bowl to craft that crave-worthy glaze. In another bowl, combine sour cream, mayo, Worcestershire sauce, lime zest, salt, and pepper to make a creamy dipping sauce that cools down the heat and adds an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve Immediately
Once the chicken tenders are hot and crispy, generously coat them in the sriracha honey glaze by either dunking with tongs or using your fingers (it’s worth getting a little messy!). Serve them up immediately alongside the creamy dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten up your presentation and balance the bold flavors. A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds pops of color and extra freshness that complement the zesty glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or crispy oven fries to soak up every bit of that sweet and spicy glaze. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can add the perfect refreshing contrast to the richness of the tenders.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, stack the glazed tenders on a large platter and offer small bowls of the creamy dip alongside for communal dipping fun. You can also skewer the tenders and serve as finger food, making them perfect bite-sized appetizers that everyone will go crazy for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—which is rare!—store the tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for excellent next-day snacks or lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals when time is tight.
Reheating
To reheat, bake them in a 375F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains crunch. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that irresistible crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before breading to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.
Is baking better than frying for these chicken tenders?
Baking makes the tenders healthier and just as crispy when done right. Plus, it’s less messy and saves you from dealing with hot oil!
How spicy is this Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the balance of sweet honey and the cooling dipping sauce. You can adjust the sriracha amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I make the glaze less sticky?
If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a bit more lime juice or soy sauce to loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for panko if I don’t have any?
Regular breadcrumbs will work but won’t be quite as crispy. For extra crunch, try crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips as fun alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is truly one of those dishes that just brings joy to the table every time. It’s easy, flavorful, and totally satisfying whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family. Give it a try and watch how it becomes your go-to meal for busy nights and casual get-togethers alike. Trust me, once you taste that perfect sweet and spicy harmony, there’s no turning back!
Print
Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders are a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, coated in crunchy panko and baked to golden perfection. Served with a tangy lime sour cream dipping sauce, they make a delicious and easy appetizer or meal that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Chicken Coating
- 1 pound chicken fillets
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sriracha Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup sriracha
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Zest of 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even cooking and browning of the chicken tenders.
- Prepare the coatings: In two separate bowls, set one with the panko crumbs, and in the other, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg and milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the panko crumbs. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a non-stick baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Make the sriracha honey sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lime juice in a bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: In another small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and lime zest until well combined. Chill if desired.
- Coat and serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, use tongs or fingers to dip them into the sriracha honey sauce, coating well. Serve immediately with the lime sour cream dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place the chicken tenders on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation while baking.
- The dipping sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level for the honey sauce.
- Use chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken fillets for best results.
- This recipe yields 2 servings but can be easily doubled for a larger group.
