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
Scale
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.
