If you are craving a dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and ultra-crispy, you have to try this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch with juicy, flavorful chicken wrapped in a golden crust, all finished with a luscious honey butter glaze that adds a hint of heat and sweetness. It’s an irresistible combination that turns simple chicken tenders into a show-stopping meal, perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is super important to make sure your Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe turns out perfectly crispy, flavorful, and beautifully glazed. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of texture and taste that will make this dish a winner every time you make it.
- Chicken tenders (1 1/2 pounds): The star of the dish, tender and quick-cooking for juicy bites.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the base coating that helps the breading stick and crisp up nicely.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Adds extra crunchiness to the coating for that satisfying crisp.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and seasons the breading perfectly.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and aromatic warmth to the coating.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a mild smoky flavor and vibrant color to the crust.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- Large eggs (2): Helps bind the coating to the chicken and keeps it moist.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang to balance flavors.
- Panko breadcrumbs (2 cups): Creates a light, airy crunch that makes every bite crisp and delightful.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Needed for deep frying to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Forms the rich, silky base of the honey butter sauce.
- Honey (1/3 cup): Provides natural sweetness and a sticky, glossy glaze.
- Hot sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of heat to complement the honey’s sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Gives an extra layer of spicy warmth in the sauce.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Coatings
Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels; this small step helps the coating stick better and stay crispy. Next, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a shallow dish—this dry mix creates the base crunch and flavor. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk until combined; this wet mixture helps the panko crumbs adhere perfectly.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Coat each tender first in the flour mixture, making sure every nook is covered. Then dip it into the egg and buttermilk mix, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press the tenders into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. For seriously crispy results, let the breaded tenders rest for about 10 minutes; this gives the coating a chance to set before frying.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F. Carefully add the tenders in batches—you don’t want to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil. The result will be irresistibly crunchy tenders.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter, then stir in honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and warm throughout; this sauce is the magic that gives this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe its signature sweet and spicy finish.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Brush or drizzle the luscious honey butter sauce over the hot chicken tenders generously. The sauce clings beautifully to the crispy crust, adding bursts of flavor with each bite that will keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a pop of color and a subtle flavor contrast. If you love a bit more zest, a wedge of lemon or a dusting of extra red pepper flakes works wonders to brighten the dish.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries or a crisp green salad balance the richness of the chicken. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables provide wholesome comfort and complement the sweet-spicy glaze perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chicken tenders as sliders in mini buns with a dollop of coleslaw for a fun party appetizer. Or line them up on a serving board with small bowls of ranch, blue cheese, or extra honey butter sauce for dipping—the perfect setup for sharing and savoring every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making them a convenient and delicious option for quick meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to store them longer, flash freeze the tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep their best quality for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy texture, reheat the tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until hot and crunchy. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy—using the oven or an air fryer is the way to go for that fresh-out-of-the-pan crisp.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
Absolutely! You can bake them at 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes. This is a great option if you want a lighter version while still keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.
How spicy is the honey butter sauce?
The sauce offers a gentle heat thanks to the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, balanced beautifully by the sweetness of the honey. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste preference.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute will provide the right tang and tenderness for the chicken.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While regular breadcrumbs will work, panko breadcrumbs are preferred for this recipe because they create a lighter, airier, and crispier coating that really makes the chicken tenders stand out.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The combination of sweet honey and mild spice from the hot sauce can be easily toned down to make it suitable for kids. Simply reduce or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to keep it mild but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy, this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s the kind of recipe that brings joy to the table, offering irresistible crunch, juicy tenderness, and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders combine perfectly fried, golden-brown chicken coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs with a luscious, sweet, and slightly spicy honey butter sauce. This American classic offers a delightful balance of texture and flavor, making it an irresistible main course perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Pat the chicken tenders dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together until thoroughly combined, which will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Get Breadcrumbs Ready: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl, ready for the final coating step.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, ensuring full coverage. Next, dip the coated tender into the egg and buttermilk mixture, then thoroughly coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere evenly for a crispy crust.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Prepare Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and warmed through.
- Serve: Generously brush or drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the crispy chicken tenders. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, allow the breaded tenders to rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating set.
- For a lighter cooking alternative, bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey butter sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
