Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prepare to fall head over heels for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, a recipe guaranteed to win over every single taste bud at the table. Imagine juicy, tender chicken, breaded until crisp and golden, then smothered in a glossy sauce that strikes the perfect balance of sweet honey, rich butter, and punchy, aromatic garlic. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a treat-yourself lunch, this dish is bright, flavorful, and full of irresistible texture—making it an instant favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each ingredient plays an important part—tender chicken for the main event, robust seasonings for flavor, and a honey-butter glaze that steals the show. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Chicken tenders (1 ½ pounds): Choose tenderloins for maximum juiciness, or slice chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand.
- Salt and black pepper: Just a little brings out the flavors and ensures your tenders are anything but bland.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): This is your first coating, creating a base for the breadcrumbs to stick.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Cornstarch lightens the flour and helps create that extra-crispy crust.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): The eggs act as glue, binding the flour layer to the breadcrumbs.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Panko’s light, crunchy texture is key for that shatteringly crisp bite.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the breading with bold, savory flavor in every bite.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a subtle smokiness to the coating.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For frying—olive oil’s high smoke point makes it ideal for getting the tenders perfectly golden.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The backbone of your sauce, adding indulgent richness to the chicken.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Plenty of fresh garlic brings out that signature punch—don’t skimp here!
- Honey (â…“ cup): Sweetens and glazes, giving the tenders their sticky-succulent finish.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): A splash adds umami depth to balance the sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the sauce, cutting through the richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Sprinkle over the top for a colorful, flavorful touch.
How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by arranging your chicken tenders on a plate and generously seasoning each side with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures every bite of Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders is flavorful from the inside out, not just the coating.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Grab three shallow bowls to create your breading line. In the first, combine the flour and cornstarch—this combo ensures an airy, crispy coating. In the second, whisk up your eggs until uniformly yellow and frothy. In the third, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder and paprika, giving your breading an aromatic boost and a hint of color.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each tender in the flour mixture first, tapping off the excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs for full coverage—get into all those nooks! Finally, roll each chicken piece through the seasoned panko, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere for maximum crunch. Arrange the breaded tenders on a plate as you go.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the chicken in batches (don’t crowd the pan!), cooking 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the crust is a deep golden brown and delightfully crisp. Place finished tenders on a paper towel-lined plate to blot any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
Once all the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and melt unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly—it should coat the back of a spoon but remain pourable.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken and Finish
Return the fried chicken tenders to the skillet, turning them carefully in that gorgeous honey butter garlic sauce until each piece is fully glazed. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders immediately, while they’re sticky, glossy, and piping hot.
How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Finish the dish with a shower of bright, fresh parsley, which cuts through the rich sauce and adds a pop of color. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle on flaky sea salt or a bit of sesame seed just before serving to add contrast and a restaurant-style flair.
Side Dishes
These tenders shine alongside classic sides—try buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or a fresh green salad to balance the saucy richness. You can also lean into comfort food territory with sweet potato fries or corn on the cob for a crowd-pleasing meal that lets the Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, pile the tenders over warm, fluffy waffles and drizzle on any extra sauce for a brunch-inspired feast. Or slice them up to top a hearty salad, tuck into wraps, or even fill a toasted brioche bun for a sandwich no one will soon forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders left, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the coating will soften slightly, but the flavor remains irresistible.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange cooked (un-sauced) tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen until hot and crispy, then toss in fresh honey butter garlic sauce just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, place tenders on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the coating crisps back up. If reheating sauced tenders, cover them loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave for best results, as it can soften the breading.
FAQs
Can I make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal for the coating. Double-check your soy sauce as well—tamari or coconut aminos make great gluten-free substitutes.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, and it’s a great way to lighten things up. Arrange breaded tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, mist with a bit of oil, and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get plenty of crunch, and they’re perfect for tossing in the honey butter garlic sauce afterward.
What’s the best way to ensure the breading sticks?
Pat your chicken dry before breading, press the panko firmly onto the tenders, and don’t rush the coating steps. Making sure each piece is fully covered in each layer (flour mix, egg, then panko) is the secret to getting that ultra-crispy finish that sticks around. Chill the breaded chicken for 10 minutes before frying for even better results.
Can I use chicken thighs or breast instead of tenders?
Definitely! Thighs can be cut into strips for a juicier result, while chicken breasts work well sliced into even pieces. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—thicker pieces may need a minute or two extra in the skillet (check for an internal temp of 165°F).
How spicy are Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
This version is more sweet and savory than spicy, but you can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breading or sauce if you want a little heat. Otherwise, these tenders are friendly for kids and adults alike—perfect for family dinners!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: a simple comfort food that never fails to bring smiles and clean plates to the table. The sweet-garlicky sauce, crisp coating, and tender chicken are a combination you’ll crave again and again. Give them a try—the secret’s in the sauce, and it’s pure joy, every single bite!
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Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of crispy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce. Perfect for a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- â…“ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken: Set up a dredging station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, then add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake the breaded tenders at 400°F for 15–20 minutes before tossing them in the sauce.
- Great served with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
