If you are craving a dish that screams comfort food with a perfect balance of sweet and savory, you have to try this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe. It brings together juicy, tender chicken coated in an ultra-crispy crust, all drizzled with a luscious honey butter sauce that melts in your mouth. This recipe is simple enough to whip up any night of the week, yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering. Each bite offers that irresistible crunch followed by a warm, buttery sweetness that just keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in ensuring the tenders remain tender inside, super crispy outside, and bursting with flavor.
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders: The star of the show, naturally tender and perfect for frying.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken for a juicy bite every time.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a warm, smoky note and beautiful color.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for that addictive, crunchy coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Boosts crispiness for that perfect crunch.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the crust puff up slightly and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Vegetable oil for frying: The neutral oil ensures even frying and a golden finish.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Creates the rich base for the honey butter sauce.
- 1/3 cup honey: Sweetness that perfectly balances the savory crunch.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional): For those who love a little heat with their sweet and savory combo.
- Pinch of salt: To season the sauce perfectly, rounding out all flavors.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Submerge your chicken tenders in this flavorful pool, tossing to coat. Letting the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes in the fridge not only tenderizes them but infuses every bite with deep, savory notes that are truly mouthwatering.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mixture
In a shallow dish, mix your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and onion powder. This combination is your secret crunch weapon. Cornstarch and baking powder together lighten the coating while ensuring it crisps up beautifully when fried.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a sturdy pot with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining a steady temperature is key for that golden crust without oily sogginess. A heavy-bottomed pot will help keep the heat consistent as you fry your tenders in batches.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken. This step seals in moisture and ensures the crispy texture that will make this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe so addictive. For an even crunchier finish, feel free to double-dip by repeating the buttermilk and flour steps.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Carefully fry the chicken tenders, turning occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes until they are gorgeously golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer them to a wire rack to drain any excess oil so every bite stays crisp from edge to edge.
Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter. Stir in the honey, a touch of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous, and a pinch of salt. Heat just until everything melts together into a silky, glossy sauce that perfectly complements the crunchy tenders.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle this warm honey butter sauce over your fried chicken tenders, or toss them gently for full coating. Serve immediately to enjoy the harmony of textures and flavors that make the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh green pop of color and a mild, herbal note that cuts through the richness. A few lemon wedges on the side offer an optional bright, citrusy touch that perfectly complements the sweet and savory tones.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides like crisp coleslaw, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, or golden French fries. For a lighter balance, a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette rounds out the meal without competing with the chicken’s flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve these tenders on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe? Arrange the tenders in a circle around a small bowl of extra honey butter sauce for dipping. They also make fantastic sliders when paired with a soft bun and pickles for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days. To keep them from losing their beloved crunch, separate layers with parchment paper and avoid stacking too much.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fried tenders on a sheet pan first until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months and make an excellent quick meal when reheated.
Reheating
To retain maximum crispiness, reheat the tenders in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This method warms through the chicken gently without turning the crust soggy, ensuring your Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe tastes just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can work in a pinch, buttermilk’s acidity really helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy depth to the flavor that regular milk can’t quite replicate. You can also make a buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
What makes the chicken tenders extra crispy?
The combination of cornstarch and baking powder in the flour mixture creates an ultra-crispy crust. Pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken and double-dipping it through the marinade and flour before frying also amps up the crunch factor.
Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?
Baking is an option for a healthier twist, but the signature crispy texture is harder to achieve without frying. If baking, use a convection oven and spray the tenders generously with oil. Bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through, but expect a slightly different texture.
Is the hot sauce in the honey butter sauce necessary?
The hot sauce is totally optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a little heat. It adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the honey and richness of the butter, making the flavor profile more complex and exciting.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in and tenderize the meat. For even better results, you can marinate up to 4 hours. Avoid overnight marinades to prevent the coating from becoming too soft when dredging.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is a guaranteed winner any time you want to treat yourself or impress friends with something truly special. The symphony of crunchy, tender chicken and that sweet buttery glaze is pure comfort on a plate. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my all-time favorite dishes to make and share. Go ahead, give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are tender strips of chicken marinated in a flavorful buttermilk blend, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried to golden perfection. Tossed or drizzled with a luscious honey butter sauce enhanced by a touch of hot sauce, this dish is the ultimate sweet and savory comfort food perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil for frying (2 to 3 inches, enough to fill a heavy pot)
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse and the chicken to tenderize.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and onion powder until well combined for a light, crispy coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying the chicken to a crisp golden brown without absorbing excess oil.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully fry the chicken tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the honey, hot sauce if using, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently just until all ingredients are combined and smooth, taking care not to boil the sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the crispy chicken tenders, or gently toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunchiness, double-dip the chicken tenders by dipping them back into the buttermilk and flour coating before frying a second time.
- Keep fried chicken tenders warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while frying remaining batches to maintain crispiness.
- These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, French fries, or warm buttermilk biscuits.
