If you’re craving a dish that combines the perfect crunch with a luscious, sweet-savory glaze, then you absolutely have to try the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe. These golden tenders boast a satisfying crispiness on the outside, while staying juicy and tender inside. The honey butter sauce adds an irresistible layer of rich sweetness, with just a hint of heat if you choose to add a dash of hot sauce. It’s comfort food elevated to a new level, sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’s going to be hard to go back to plain chicken tenders ever again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these crunchy, flavorful chicken tenders, you’ll find the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential. Each one plays a unique role in crafting the perfect texture and taste—from the crispy coating to the sweet, buttery finish.
- Chicken tenders: The star of the dish, naturally, providing tender and juicy meat that cooks quickly.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the first layer of crispy coating and helps the seasoning stick.
- Cornstarch: Adds irresistible crunch by giving the coating a light, crisp texture.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and batter.
- Garlic powder and paprika: These spices add a subtle smoky and savory kick to the coating.
- Eggs and buttermilk: Together, they create a smooth, thick batter that helps the coating adhere perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying because of its neutral taste and high smoke point.
- Unsalted butter: The base of the rich honey butter sauce, balancing sweetness and creaminess.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely golden gloss to the finished tenders.
- Hot sauce (optional): Provides a gentle heat that contrasts beautifully with the honey’s sweetness.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Coating
Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Then, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, combine eggs and buttermilk for the wet mixture. This two-step battering is key to getting that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender first into the egg and buttermilk mix, letting any excess drip off. Then press it into the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly on all sides. For even extra crunch, you can double dredge by repeating the dipping and coating steps. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust you’ll love.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep pot over medium heat to reach 350°F. Carefully place chicken tenders in the hot oil, frying in batches so they cook evenly without overcrowding. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Drain on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken fries, gently melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the honey and the optional hot sauce until smooth and glossy. This sauce is the magic finishing touch that elevates the dish.
Step 5: Drizzle or Brush the Sauce
Once your tenders are drained and still warm, brush or drizzle them generously with the honey butter sauce. This ensures every bite is coated with that sweet, buttery glaze that keeps these tenders unforgettable.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or green onions add a vibrant burst of color and a touch of freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, crispy chicken tenders. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add a subtle crunch and visual appeal. Don’t underestimate the impact of a simple garnish!
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe with crispy fries or a refreshing coleslaw to balance the richness. Creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad also make excellent companions, rounding out the meal with variety in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these tenders in a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper for a casual, inviting vibe. For a party, build mini slider sandwiches using the chicken tenders and add pickles and slaw. You can also skewer several tenders and drizzle the honey butter sauce right before serving for irresistible finger food presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crunch, store the chicken tenders separately from the sauce if possible and add it just before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders after they have completely cooled by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Freeze the honey butter sauce separately in small containers.
Reheating
To reheat while retaining that perfect crispiness, bake the tenders in a preheated 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy. Warm the honey butter sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips; just make sure they are similar in size to tenders for even cooking. Thicker pieces might need a slightly longer frying time.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This homemade substitute will work just as well.
Is it possible to bake or air fry these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or air frying at 400°F for 12-15 minutes with a flip halfway through provides a healthier alternative while still delivering good crunch.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Double dredging the chicken tenders by dipping them twice in the wet and dry mixtures before frying significantly enhances the crunch. Also, make sure the oil temperature is steady at 350°F to prevent sogginess.
Can I add more spice to the honey butter sauce?
Definitely! Adding more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper elevates the heat level and balances the sweetness of the honey beautifully. Customize it to your heat preference!
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves tender chicken with a crunchy crust and a touch of sweet, buttery magic. Whether for a quick dinner or gathering with friends, it delivers mouthwatering flavor that’s easy to make and destined to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are perfectly fried golden chicken strips coated in a flavorful blend of spices, then drizzled with a luscious honey butter sauce. This quick and comforting American main course delivers a delightful mix of crunchy texture and sweet-savory taste, ideal for an easy dinner or family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier coating when fried.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the buttermilk until smooth and fully blended.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg and buttermilk mixture to moisten, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres evenly.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot and heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to monitor the temperature for optimal frying.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken tenders in batches to avoid crowding the pan, cooking each side for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked.
- Drain excess oil: Transfer the fried tenders to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil, preserving their crispiness.
- Make the honey butter sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the honey and optional hot sauce, blending until smooth and warm.
- Serve: Brush or drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the crispy chicken tenders just before serving for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the egg mixture and flour mixture a second time before frying.
- These tenders can also be baked at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes or air fried at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier option.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully to avoid greasy chicken; maintain 350°F while frying.
- Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain fried chicken to keep the coating crispy.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey butter sauce to taste for varying spice levels.
