Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders Best Ever Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Craving something truly delicious that won’t derail your keto journey? Look no further than these incredible Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders! Here are four fantastic reasons why this recipe is about to become your new favorite:

• Keto-Approved & Guilt-Free: Say goodbye to carb-laden breading and sugar-filled sauces. This recipe uses clever keto substitutes like pork rinds and allulose honey, letting you indulge without the carb crash. Enjoy all the flavor with none of the guilt!
• Irresistible Flavor Combo: Imagine juicy, tender chicken coated in a perfectly spiced, crispy crust, then drenched in a sweet, spicy, and tangy hot honey sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes – savory, sweet, and a touch of heat!
• Crispy Perfection, Every Time: Whether you opt for the air fryer or oven, these Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders deliver an incredibly satisfying crunch. The pork rind and almond flour breading creates a golden-brown texture that rivals any traditional fried chicken.
• Quick & Easy Weeknight Win: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, you can have a gourmet-level meal on the table in under half an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something spectacular without the fuss.

Spice Up Your Keto Diet with Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders!

Are you stuck in a keto rut, tired of the same old grilled chicken, yearning for a dish that packs a serious punch of flavor without compromising your low-carb goals? Prepare to have your taste buds awakened! Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tender, seasoned to perfection, then enveloped in a luscious, sticky sauce that delivers the ideal balance of sweet and spicy heat. Friends, meet your new culinary obsession: Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders!

This isn’t just another keto recipe; it’s a game-changer. We’re talking about all the deliciousness of your favorite comfort food, reimagined with smart, keto-friendly ingredients. From the crunchy pork rind breading to the zesty allulose hot honey glaze, every element is designed to tantalize your palate and keep you firmly on track. Get ready to ditch the bland and embrace the bold – your keto journey just got a whole lot more exciting!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders

Gather your components for these sensational Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect crispy texture and delectable sweet-heat flavor.

• Chicken:
  • 1 1/2 lb chicken tenders
• Breading:
  • 1 cup crushed pork rinds (about 90g)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (about 55g)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg Wash:
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
• Hot Honey Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup allulose honey (keto-friendly substitute)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 to 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Tapatio)

Step-by-Step Directions: How to Create Your Own Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders

Let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly crispy and saucy Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders that will impress every time.

Get Ready to Coat:

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed pork rinds, almond flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the large egg and water until they are well combined and frothy. This will be your egg wash.

Coat the Chicken:

3. Take each chicken tender and dip it completely into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Next, transfer the tender into the pork rind mixture. Roll it around, pressing gently to ensure it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any loose crumbs.
5. Place the coated tenders on a tray lined with waxed paper and continue this process for all the chicken pieces.

Cook Them Up (Air Fryer Method):

4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer racks or basket to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the racks in a single layer, making sure to leave a little space between each one for optimal air circulation and even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the tenders over to ensure both sides get deliciously crispy. They are ready when they are golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove them and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep them crisp.

Make the Zesty Hot Honey Sauce:

7. While your chicken is cooking, combine the allulose honey, butter, and your preferred hot sauce in a small saucepan.
8. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the ingredients are nicely blended and the sauce has slightly thickened.

Serve It Hot:

8. As soon as the chicken tenders are ready, generously drizzle the warm, delicious hot honey sauce over them. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders!

Oven Baked Option: Prefer baking? Prepare the tenders as described above. Bake them at 425°F (218°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping them once halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drizzle with the sauce and serve.

Creative Ways to Present and Serve Your Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders

These Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders are so versatile, they can be the star of many different meals! Don’t just serve them on a plate – get creative with how you present and pair them to elevate your keto dining experience.

• Classic Comfort: Serve them as a main course with a side of keto-friendly coleslaw, a simple green salad with a creamy dressing, or a generous portion of garlic cauliflower mash.
• Dipping Delight: While the hot honey sauce is fantastic on its own, offer additional keto dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a sugar-free BBQ sauce for variety.
• Salad Topper: Slice the cooked tenders and arrange them atop a vibrant mixed green salad. Add some avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of the hot honey sauce for a truly satisfying and light meal.
• Keto Wraps/Tacos: Use large lettuce leaves or your favorite low-carb tortillas as a wrap. Fill them with sliced Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders, some shredded cabbage, a sprinkle of cilantro, and extra hot honey sauce.
• Game Day Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re perfect for entertaining and a surefire hit at any gathering, whether you’re watching the big game or hosting friends.
• Hot Honey “Bowl”: Create a flavorful bowl with a base of cauliflower rice, topped with sliced tenders, a few roasted keto-friendly veggies (like bell peppers or broccoli), and a generous amount of that irresistible hot honey drizzle.

Storing and Reheating Your Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders

Planning ahead or have leftovers? These Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders are fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to store them properly to maintain their deliciousness.

• Refrigeration: Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover tenders into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results and to maintain crispiness, it’s often better to store the hot honey sauce separately and drizzle just before serving.
• Reheating for Crispiness: To bring back that satisfying crunch, avoid the microwave if possible.
  • Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
  • Oven: Place tenders on a baking sheet and reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze cooked (and unsauced) chicken tenders. Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (flash freeze). Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for 1-2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using the air fryer or oven method. If reheating from frozen, it will take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders

1. What is allulose honey, and why is it used in this recipe?

Allulose honey is a keto-friendly, low-calorie sweetener that tastes very similar to sugar, but it doesn’t impact blood glucose levels. It’s used here as a substitute for traditional honey, which is high in carbs, allowing you to enjoy the sweet flavor of hot honey while staying in ketosis.

2. Can I make these chicken tenders spicier or milder?

Absolutely! The heat level is fully customizable. For more spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading and/or use 2 tablespoons (or more!) of hot sauce in the honey glaze. For milder tenders, reduce the cayenne pepper or use only 1 tablespoon of hot sauce.

3. Do I have to use an air fryer? What’s the oven option?

No, an air fryer is optional! The recipe includes an oven-baked option: prepare tenders as above, then bake at 425°F (218°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through and crispy.

4. Are pork rinds essential, or can I use a different breading?

Pork rinds are crucial for the classic crispy texture and low-carb count in this recipe. While you could technically use just almond flour, the tenders might not achieve the same level of crispiness or flavor profile. For best results, stick to the pork rinds!

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Both almond flour and crushed pork rinds are gluten-free, making these tenders a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

6. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the breaded chicken tenders up to a few hours ahead of time. Store them on a waxed paper-lined tray in the refrigerator. However, for the crispiest results, it’s best to cook them shortly after coating. The hot honey sauce can also be made a day in advance and gently reheated.

7. What are some good keto side dishes to serve with Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of keto sides. Consider a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli or asparagus, cauliflower rice, keto coleslaw, or even some roasted radishes for a potato-like experience.

8. My tenders aren’t getting crispy enough. What went wrong?

Common reasons for less-than-crispy tenders include overcrowding the air fryer/oven (cook in batches if needed), not preheating sufficiently, or not flipping them halfway through. Ensure each tender has space and cook until golden brown and internal temperature is reached.

9. Can I use a different keto sweetener if I don’t have allulose honey?

You can experiment with other liquid keto sweeteners like sugar-free maple syrup or a blend of erythritol/monk fruit mixed with a little water to create a syrup consistency. However, allulose honey provides a unique texture and flavor that is very close to traditional honey.

10. How many net carbs are in each serving?

Each serving of these delicious Hot Honey Keto Chicken Tenders contains a remarkably low 3g net carbs, making them an excellent choice for a keto lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.