Ready to dive into some cooking? Here’s how you can make these mouthwatering tenders:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F to keep the cooked tenders warm.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
4. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
5. Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a breadcrumb in—it should sizzle immediately.
7. Carefully place the chicken tenders in the oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Transfer cooked tenders to a baking sheet lined with a wire rack and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce.
9. In a small saucepan, combine honey and hot sauce. Heat over low until warmed and combined, about 2 minutes.
10. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the warm tenders or serve on the side for dipping.

These steps bring back memories of my dad guiding me through the kitchen, showing me how a little patience leads to culinary delight.