If you have a craving for something irresistibly crunchy, sweet, and utterly comforting, this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender strips of chicken, perfectly coated in a double layer of seasoned flour, fried to golden crispness, and then lavishly glazed with a luscious honey butter sauce that has just a hint of heat and saltiness. Whether it’s a family dinner, a weekend snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tenders bring that delightful balance of crunchy, juicy, and sweet that makes your taste buds dance. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in making the chicken tenders remarkable. From the crisping power of cornstarch to the rich tang of buttermilk, these essentials ensure incredible texture and flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
- Chicken tenders: The star protein, naturally tender and perfect for quick cooking.
- All purpose flour: Creates the primary crispy coating base for the chicken.
- Cornstarch: Essential for that extra crunch and a delicate, light texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth to the bite.
- Garlic powder: Invokes savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and appealing color.
- Eggs: Help the coating adhere beautifully, giving structure to each bite.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tanginess.
- Vegetable oil: Necessary for frying to a perfect golden brown crust.
- Unsalted butter: The base for the honey butter sauce, lending richness and silkiness.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness and sticky goodness.
- Hot sauce (optional): Offers a gentle kick that layers complexity.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in the honey butter sauce for perfect harmony.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season
Start by patting your chicken tenders dry — this little step helps the coating cling better. Next, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This seasoned flour mix is where the magic begins, giving the tenders a vibrant flavor and that sought-after crispy texture you’ll love.
Step 2: Coat with Care
Set up a double dredge system by beating eggs with buttermilk separately. Dip each tender first into the flour mixture, then into the wet egg and buttermilk, before returning to the flour again. This double coating locks in juiciness while building layers of crunch. Press gently so every inch of chicken is coated evenly.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a skillet or heavy pot to 350°F. Fry the chicken tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re perfect when they turn a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil—this keeps them crisp and not greasy.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the tenders are frying, melt unsalted butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in honey, a pinch of salt, and if you like, a splash of hot sauce for that exciting hint of spice. Whisk until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and fragrant—it’s the sweet finishing touch that elevates your chicken tenders to a whole new level.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Brush or drizzle the warm honey butter sauce generously over the crispy chicken tenders just before serving. This glaze adds a sticky, shiny finish that’ll make everyone’s mouth water. The result is a perfect marriage of sweetness, buttery richness, and crispy comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh crunch and pop of color by garnishing your tenders with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add a subtle nuttiness and elevate the presentation, making your plate look as joyful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These tenders pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp coleslaw, or even a vibrant garden salad. For a more casual vibe, serve with fries or roasted veggies to soak up every bit of that delicious honey butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Take it up a notch by plating the tenders on a wooden board with small bowls of extra honey butter sauce and ranch for dipping. You can also thread the tenders on skewers with fresh veggies for a playful finger-food experience perfect for parties or game day celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps their flavor intact and allows you to enjoy the deliciousness even if you don’t finish them all at once.
Freezing
If you want to extend the life of your chicken tenders, freeze them after frying but before glazing. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, reheat thoroughly and brush with fresh honey butter sauce for a taste that’s just as wonderful as day one.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that irresistible crunch is to reheat the tenders in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the coating crisp while warming the meat through. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain their signature crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into strips of similar size to tenders for even cooking. Just be mindful they might need a slightly longer frying time to cook through completely.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch or potato starch as is. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
Definitely! For a lighter option, bake them at 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness, or use an air fryer at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. It gives the same tenderizing effect.
How spicy is the optional hot sauce in the honey butter sauce?
The hot sauce adds only a mild heat that enhances the flavor rather than overpowering it. You can easily adjust the amount or omit it completely based on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way the crispy coating meets the sweet, buttery honey glaze in this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes that make any meal feel special and satisfying. You’ll find yourself reaching for these tenders at every chance, whether it’s for a quick dinner or sharing with friends. So go ahead, dive in, and let these golden delights brighten up your table—you won’t regret a single bite!
Print
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are deliciously crunchy fried chicken strips coated in a flavorful blend of spices and topped with a sweet and buttery honey sauce. This easy-to-make American classic is perfect for a comforting dinner or party snack, featuring tender chicken with a crispy coating and a luscious honey butter glaze.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure the coating sticks properly.
- Make the flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This blend will give the chicken a flavorful and crispy crust.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the buttermilk until smooth and combined to help the flour coating adhere to the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back again into the flour mixture. Press gently on the chicken to help the coating cling well.
- Heat the oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C), the optimal temperature for frying to crisp the chicken without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully fry the chicken tenders in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain excess oil: Transfer the fried tenders to a paper towel lined plate to drain off excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Prepare the honey butter sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the honey, optional hot sauce, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the chicken: Brush or drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the crispy chicken tenders just before serving to add a sweet and savory finish.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, bake the coated tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can also air fry the tenders at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes for a crispy texture with less oil.
- Serve with ranch dressing or additional honey butter sauce for dipping.
- Store leftover chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
