Spicy Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders with Sriracha Honey Glaze
Indulge in these delicious Spicy Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders, perfectly coated with a crispy panko crust and infused with a mouthwatering Sriracha honey glaze. This healthier twist on the classic chicken strips combines tender chicken breasts with a zesty marinade that provides a satisfying kick, balanced by the sweetness of honey and orange juice. Baked to crispy perfection, these tenders are ideal for game day, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, for a finger-licking treat that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honey
1/4 cup (measured)
Low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup (measured)
Sesame seed oil
1 teaspoon (measured)
Ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons (measured)
Orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (measured)
Sriracha sauce
3 tablespoons (measured)
Chicken breasts, cut into strips
3 lbs (trimmed and cut)
Pam cooking spray
as needed (for spraying)
Flour
1/2 cup (measured)
Eggs
3 (lightly beaten)
Panko breadcrumbs
3 cups (measured)
Salt
1 teaspoon, divided (1/2 teaspoon for flour, 1/2 teaspoon for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders with Sriracha Honey Glaze?
These are a healthier, oven-baked version of chicken strips featuring a crispy panko breadcrumb coating and a zesty, sweet, and spicy glaze made with sriracha and honey.
What makes these chicken tenders crunchy?
The crunchiness comes from using Panko breadcrumbs, which are larger and airier than traditional breadcrumbs, and baking them until golden.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, these tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken because they are baked and use lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients for the glaze.
How do I make the Sriracha honey glaze?
The glaze is made by combining honey, low sodium soy sauce, sesame seed oil, ground ginger, orange juice, garlic powder, and sriracha sauce.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the glaze?
Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of Sriracha sauce to suit your heat preference.
What ingredients are needed for the breading process?
You will need flour, lightly beaten eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt.
How much chicken do I need for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 3 lbs of chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into strips.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, though the flavor and texture will be slightly richer and they may require a slightly different cooking time.
What is the purpose of the orange juice in the glaze?
Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright, citrusy sweetness that balances the heat of the Sriracha and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Do I need to spray the chicken with oil?
Yes, using Pam cooking spray on the tenders before baking helps the panko crust brown and become extra crispy.
What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?
Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are excellent choices to complement the spicy and sweet flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, these tenders are perfect for game day, family dinners, or casual get-togethers as a finger-licking treat.
How should I prep the chicken?
Trim the chicken breasts of excess fat and cut them into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
It is recommended to use low sodium soy sauce to prevent the glaze from becoming overly salty.
Can I make these gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, replace the flour with a gluten-free blend, use gluten-free Panko, and ensure your soy sauce is a gluten-free tamari.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the best way to reheat these chicken tenders?
To maintain the crunch, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crispy.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
While freshly squeezed is recommended for the best flavor, bottled orange juice can be used as a substitute.
What is Panko?
Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that has a lighter, crispier texture than standard breadcrumbs.
Can I air fry these tenders?
Yes, you can air fry them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for an even crispier finish.
Is sesame oil necessary?
Sesame seed oil adds a distinct nutty aroma and depth to the glaze, but you can omit it if you have an allergy.
How do I get the breading to stick?
Follow the three-step dredging process: coat in flour first, dip in beaten egg, and then press firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs.
Are these tenders very spicy?
The spice level is moderate due to the Sriracha, but the honey and orange juice provide a significant sweetness to balance the heat.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, the glaze can be whisked together ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
How much honey is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of measured honey.
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
Is ground ginger better than fresh ginger for this?
This recipe specifically calls for 1.5 teaspoons of ground ginger for ease of mixing into the smooth glaze.
Can I use this glaze on other proteins?
Yes, this Sriracha honey glaze also works beautifully on grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
Should I salt the chicken before breading?
The recipe incorporates salt into the flour and breadcrumb mixtures (1/2 teaspoon each) to ensure the chicken is seasoned throughout.
How many eggs are needed for the wash?
You will need 3 lightly beaten eggs to act as the binder for the breading.