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
Scale
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.
