If you’re craving a truly irresistible comfort food that combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory, you’ve got to try this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe. These golden, crunchy tenders deliver a satisfying crispness with every bite, while the luscious honey butter sauce adds a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that elevates this dish beyond ordinary fried chicken. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and a foolproof technique that will soon become one of your top kitchen go-tos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe plays a vital role, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the tangy marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the crispy coating and luscious sauce, everything contributes to what makes this dish so darn delicious.
- Chicken tenders: The star of the show, these provide juicy, tender bites perfect for crisping up.
- Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken for maximum juiciness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors from the inside out.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle heat and depth without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic note that’s classic in fried chicken.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a touch of color.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating for that coveted crunch.
- Cornstarch: Essential for extra crispiness and light texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the coating puff just enough for golden crunch.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): A slight kick for those who like a little heat.
- Vegetable oil: The frying medium that gives the coating its perfect crunch.
- Unsalted butter: Rich and creamy for the honey butter sauce.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances savory notes beautifully.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a spicy edge to the honey butter glaze if you desire an extra punch.
- Salt: A pinch in the sauce rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Toss the chicken tenders in this flavorful mixture until well coated. This step is essential because the buttermilk tenderizes the meat, ensuring every bite stays juicy while the spices infuse subtle layers of flavor. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have the time.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper if you want a hint of heat. This special blend is what gives your tenders that incredible crunch. When ready, take each chicken tender out of the marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge it in your flour mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well—this will be the crunchiest crust you’ve ever bitten into.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the coated tenders in the hot oil, frying them in batches for 4 to 5 minutes. Turn occasionally to ensure an even golden brown color and crispy texture. When done, transfer them to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to let excess oil drain away.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over low heat, then stir in honey, hot sauce if you like spice, and a pinch of salt. This warm, glossy sauce will be brushed or drizzled over the crispy tenders right before serving, adding that signature sweet and savory finish that makes this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe a showstopper.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the tenders for a burst of color and a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the rich honey butter sauce perfectly. Thinly sliced scallions or a few red pepper flakes can add a nice contrast as well.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders shine when paired with classic sides like coleslaw, crispy fries, or a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Mashed potatoes or baked sweet potato fries are also wonderful companions for a cozy, hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tenders skewered with fresh pineapple chunks and a drizzle of honey butter sauce for a tropical vibe. Alternatively, create sliders using mini buns and tangy pickles to turn this recipe into a finger-friendly party favorite that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover chicken tenders completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without sacrificing much of their crispy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freeze the chicken tenders on a parchment-lined tray first until solid. Then transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers. They will keep their flavor and texture for up to a month in the freezer.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispiness, reheat tenders in a 375-degree Fahrenheit oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that glorious crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk for the marinade?
While regular milk can work in a pinch, buttermilk’s acidity is key to tenderizing the chicken and enhancing flavor. Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to milk can mimic buttermilk if you don’t have any on hand.
Is it possible to bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a healthier version, bake on a wire rack at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crispiness. The coating mixture will still deliver a great crunch.
Can I make the honey butter sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the honey butter sauce ahead of time and gently rewarm it before serving. Just be sure to keep it at low heat so it doesn’t burn or separate.
What if I want my chicken tenders extra spicy?
Feel free to add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the hot sauce in the honey butter glaze to suit your heat preference. Adjust according to your taste buds!
How do I get an even crispier coating?
For an ultra-crispy crust, try double dredging the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour mixture again before frying. This technique builds up a thicker, crunchier layer.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a plate of Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe with friends or family — it’s pure warmth and happiness in every bite. This recipe nails that perfect combination of crunch and sweetness, making it a standout whenever you want to impress or simply indulge. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your culinary repertoire!
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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour including marinating
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken strips marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried to golden perfection. Finished with a luscious honey butter sauce that adds a delightful sweet and savory flavor, these chicken tenders make a perfect comfort food meal.
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 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and tenderize the chicken.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This mixture creates a crispy coating on the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken tenders from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
- Drain the Chicken: Transfer fried tenders to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in honey, hot sauce (if using), and salt until smooth and combined.
- Serve: Brush or drizzle the warm honey butter sauce liberally over the crispy chicken tenders just before serving for a sweet and savory finish.
Notes
- For a baked version, place coated tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For extra crunch, double dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
- Serve these tenders with coleslaw, fries, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to control the heat level as preferred.
