If you’re craving a chicken dish that bursts with flavor and offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy, then the Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe transforms simple chicken tenders into a mouthwatering masterpiece by coating them in a crunchy panko crust before bathing them in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce. It’s comfort food elevated, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or sharing with friends at casual gatherings. Each bite promises juicy chicken wrapped in a golden, garlicky glaze that makes you want to come back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create an irresistible dish. Each component plays a key role: the flour mix seasons the chicken perfectly, the panko breadcrumbs provide crunch, and the honey butter garlic sauce brings the whole dish to life with its rich and vibrant flavor.
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips): The tender, juicy base of the dish that soaks up every bit of flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a seasoned coating to help the crunchy crust adhere.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds that deep, savory garlic flavor right from the start.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the chicken.
- ½ tsp paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk): Tenderizes the chicken and helps everything stick beautifully.
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs: The secret to a light, crispy crunch with perfect texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying): Gives the chicken a golden, crispy exterior when cooked.
- For the Honey Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for the sweet and savory glaze.
- 2 tbsp honey: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness that balances the garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides fresh, fragrant garlic flavor in every bite.
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional): Gives a subtle umami kick, enhancing the depth of the sauce.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat to contrast the sweetness.
How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by combining the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. This seasoned flour will coat your chicken, infusing it with a burst of flavor before it meets the crunchy panko. This step is essential for creating that golden exterior everyone will rave about.
Step 2: Set Up the Dipping Stations
Next, pour the buttermilk into a second shallow bowl. The acidity in the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, locking in moisture and helping the breadcrumbs stick better. In a third shallow bowl, spread out the panko breadcrumbs, which will give the chicken its irresistible crispiness.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each tender first in the seasoned flour, making sure to cover it thoroughly. Then dunk the floured chicken into the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, before finally pressing the tenders into the panko breadcrumbs. Gently press the panko into the chicken to create an even crumb coating that will fry up beautifully crispy.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Fry the tenders in batches, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn a mouthwatering golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature. Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain that perfect crispiness. Drain the cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, releasing the aromatic garlic essence that will define this sauce. Stir in the honey along with soy sauce and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly, transforming into a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Once all your chicken tenders are cooked, either drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over them or toss them gently in the pan to coat each piece thoroughly. This step ensures every bite is loaded with that incredible sweet, buttery, and garlicky goodness that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your tenders hot to capture the perfect contrast of crunchy crust and tender chicken covered in luscious sauce. This is the moment where your kitchen fills with happy sighs and requests for seconds.
How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions can brighten the dish both in color and flavor, providing a fresh counterpoint to the rich honey butter garlic sauce. A light dusting of sesame seeds also adds a subtle crunch and an attractive finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders pair beautifully with crispy fries or roasted vegetables for a no-fuss meal. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice also complement the sweet-savory notes of the dish magnificently.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present the tenders on a wooden board with small bowls of extra dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy mayo, or a tangy vinegar-based sauce. You can also turn this into a hand-held delight by serving in slider buns with a slaw topping for an irresistible sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the honey butter garlic sauce separate until reheating helps preserve the texture of the crispy coating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your cooked tenders, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy a quick and delicious meal anytime with minimal preparation.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the coating soggy. If you have leftover sauce, warm it gently and toss the tenders right before serving to keep every bite satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders. Just follow the same steps for coating and cooking to get that perfect crunch and flavor.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking reduces oil use but may result in slightly less crispy tenders compared to frying.
Can I make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently over low heat before tossing with the chicken to bring back that smooth texture and vibrant flavor.
What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any on hand?
A simple substitute is to mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to sour before using – it’s a great way to tenderize the chicken and help the coating stick.
How spicy is the Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe?
The dish is generally mild, with a hint of gentle warmth if you include the crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or skipping the flakes altogether.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so incredibly satisfying about diving into a plate of Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles around the table and invites everyone to savor every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a delightful balance of crispy textures and rich, sweet garlicky flavor. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become one of your new favorites to make again and again.
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Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders coated with a crunchy panko crust and smothered in a rich, sweet, and garlicky honey butter sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer, these tenders combine the satisfying crunch of fried chicken with the smooth sweetness of honey butter for an irresistible dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Honey Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the seasoned flour coating.
- Prepare the Wet and Dry Coatings: Pour the buttermilk (or milk) into a second shallow bowl, and place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly, then into the buttermilk, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs to adhere.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
- Fry the Chicken Tenders: Working in batches, add the coated chicken tenders to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb and drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: In a separate small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in honey, soy sauce (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer the Sauce: Continue cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and combines well.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Drizzle the prepared honey butter garlic sauce over the cooked chicken tenders or toss the tenders gently in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the sauced chicken tenders immediately alongside your favorite dipping sauce or sides. Enjoy this crispy, sweet, and savory delight!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken tenders by repeating the buttermilk and panko breadcrumb step before frying.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level, or omit for a milder sauce.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- The soy sauce in the honey butter sauce is optional but adds a nice depth of umami flavor.
- Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
