If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines a crunchy golden exterior with a luscious honey butter finish, you have to try this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe. These tenders are delightfully crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside, kissed with a sweet and buttery glaze that takes simple fried chicken to an irresistible new level. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends at dinner, this recipe brings a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a vital role in creating the flavor, texture, and beautiful color that make this recipe shine. From the seasoning to the coating, every component contributes to the final crispy and sweet goodness.
- 1 pound chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for a crispy finish without dryness.
- 1 cup all purpose flour: Provides the light base coating for that initial layer of crunch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and lovely color to the coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory depth to each bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the chicken and breading.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a touch of sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue that helps the breadcrumbs cling perfectly.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs create that signature crispy, airy crunch.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Ideal for frying the tenders to a golden brown without overpowering flavor.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Key to the luscious honey butter sauce, adding richness.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Sweetens and glazes the tenders with a beautiful shine and fragrant finish.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Stations
Start by creating three separate shallow bowls: one with the seasoned flour mixture, one with beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs. This setup helps keep the breading process clean and efficient, ensuring each tender gets perfectly coated for maximum crunch.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess to prevent clumps. Then dip it into the eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press the tender into the panko breadcrumbs, covering every inch for that irresistible crust. If you want even more crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
Step 3: Fry the Tenders to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry the chicken tenders in batches—avoid crowding the pan to keep the temperature steady. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until the coating is a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Immediately transfer the crispy tenders to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While the chicken rests, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the honey and gently combine until you have a smooth, glossy sauce. This simple glaze is the magic touch in the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe, adding a sweet, buttery layer that elevates every bite.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Pour the warm honey butter sauce evenly over the freshly fried chicken tenders. The sauce clings to the crisp exterior, giving them a tantalizing shine and rich flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste experience.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika can brighten the plate and add a pop of color. For a little extra zing, a few red pepper flakes on top can offer a subtle heat contrast to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these crunchy tenders with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Crispy fries or roasted vegetables make excellent companions for an all-around satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tenders on bamboo skewers for easy dipping or arrange them atop a bed of seasoned rice and drizzle extra honey butter sauce for a finger-licking feast. They also shine beautifully as party finger foods alongside an array of dipping sauces such as spicy mayo, ranch, or tangy barbecue sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To help maintain the crispiness, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture.
Freezing
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe freezes well. Arrange the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. To refresh the honey butter glaze, gently reheat and drizzle before serving.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a healthier version, bake the breaded tenders at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping. They won’t be quite as crispy as frying but still delicious and much easier to clean up.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch. Panko is preferred because it creates a lighter, airier crust that stays crisp longer.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the all purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Make sure your seasoning blends are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free take on the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is best—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Can I make the honey butter sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the honey butter sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before drizzling. Avoid overheating as the butter may separate, but warming it slowly over low heat works well.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those easy-to-make dishes that instantly feels special and comforting. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or family. Once you try these tasty tenders with their perfect fried crunch and sweet buttery finish, they might just become your new go-to. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this flavorful delight tonight!
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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders offer a deliciously crunchy exterior with a sweet and buttery glaze that makes for an irresistible main course. Perfect for an easy dinner or comfort food craving, these tenders are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg, coated in panko breadcrumbs, and golden-fried to perfection before being drizzled with a luscious honey butter sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying and Sauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Stations. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders. Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Heat the Oil. Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating it over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for frying.
- Fry the Chicken Tenders. Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil in batches, frying each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain Excess Oil. Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the honey until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Serve. Drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the crispy chicken tenders just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps before frying.
- You can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying by oven baking at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for additional flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
