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
Scale
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
