There is something truly irresistible about a plate of golden, crunchy chicken paired with the sticky-sweet magic of honey and melting butter. This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe captures that perfect balance of crunchy texture and rich flavor that will have you reaching for one tender after another. It’s a dish bursting with warmth, comfort, and just the right amount of sweetness to make it a family favorite or an impressive treat for your next dinner. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or snacking with friends, these chicken tenders bring joy to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe shine, you’ll need a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role: creating crunch, seasoning perfectly, or blending into that luscious honey butter sauce that ties everything together.
- Boneless chicken tenderloins: The star of the show, tender and quick to cook with a mild flavor that soaks up all the seasoning beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a base coating that helps the breadcrumb stick for that perfect crispiness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the flour mix and sauce alike.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors and balancing sweetness.
- Large eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue between the flour and panko breadcrumbs, helping the crust form evenly.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret behind that extra-crispy texture that makes each bite so satisfying.
- Olive oil spray: A light spritz helps the tenders brown beautifully without frying in excess oil.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami punch to the honey butter glaze without overpowering sweetness.
- Honey: Brings that rich, sticky sweetness that defines the dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic intensifies the sauce with bright, aromatic notes.
- Water: Helps the sauce come together smoothly when mixed with cornstarch.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the honey butter sauce for that perfect glossy finish.
- Salted butter: Melts into the honey glaze adding richness and a silky mouthfeel.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Coating
Start by setting up a simple breading station. In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly, and in a third, pour the panko breadcrumbs. This three-step breading process ensures every tender is evenly coated and ready for that ideal crunch.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken tenderloin and dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s completely coated. Finally, roll it generously in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well. Set aside the breaded tenders on a tray while you prepare to cook them.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Tenders
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray it lightly with olive oil spray. Add the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, cooking them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method yields a juicy center and an irresistible crispy exterior without deep frying.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, water, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the salted butter until melted and fully incorporated, creating that famous honey butter glaze.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Once the tenders are cooked, immediately transfer them to a large bowl and pour the honey butter sauce over them. Toss gently until each tender is glistening and fully coated in that luscious, sticky sauce. Get ready for a flavorful experience you won’t forget!
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a dash of toasted sesame seeds can elevate the visual appeal and add a subtle crunch and burst of flavor to your dish. A light garnish enhances the richness without stealing the spotlight.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up any extra sauce. For a fresh contrast, serve alongside a crisp coleslaw or a simple mixed green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal or party option, serve the tenders with small dipping bowls filled with extra honey butter sauce or spicy mayo. You can also cut the tenders into bite-sized pieces and skewer them for an easy-to-eat finger food platter that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the honey butter sauce separated if possible to maintain the crispy texture of the tenders.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze them without the sauce to prevent sogginess.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, gently reheat tenders in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes to restore their crispiness. Warm the honey butter sauce separately on the stovetop or in the microwave and drizzle over the tenders just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips similar in thickness to the tenderloins so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Ensure your soy sauce is also gluten-free.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake the breaded tenders on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s not spicy at all; the flavor profile is focused on sweet honey, buttery richness, and savory garlic with a little soy sauce tang.
What’s the best honey to use for the sauce?
Regular mild honey works best here. Avoid strong floral or very dark honeys that may overpower the balanced flavor of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving tender chicken with a crisp crunch and buttery sweet sauce. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and so versatile for any occasion. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this one in your cooking rotation forever. Go ahead and treat yourself—you won’t regret it!
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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce. This easy-to-make chicken dish combines the crispiness of panko-breaded tenders with the rich flavors of butter, honey, garlic, and soy sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless chicken tenderloins
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Honey Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- â…“ cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- â…“ cup water
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish. This three-step setup will help you bread the chicken tenders evenly and efficiently.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the flour mixture, coating well. Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Set the breaded tenders aside on a plate.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and generously spray with olive oil. Add the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and water. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the corn starch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce to thicken.
- Add Butter and Combine: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce heat to low and stir in the salted butter until melted and smooth, forming a glossy honey butter sauce.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the honey butter garlic sauce. Let them heat together for a minute to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the crispy honey butter chicken tenders immediately while hot for best texture and flavor. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and panko steps.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Olive oil spray helps achieve a crisp crust without deep frying.
- Chicken tenders cook quickly; do not overcrowd the pan.
- The honey butter sauce can be adjusted in sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Make sure to mix corn starch slurry thoroughly before adding to prevent lumps.
- This recipe works well with chicken breasts cut into strips if tenders are unavailable.
