Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: Sweet, Savory, and Irresistibly Crispy 🍯🧄🍗

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders

✅ Sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze that’s totally addictive
✅ Crispy golden coating on the outside, juicy on the inside
✅ Kid-friendly and grown-up approved
✅ Quick and easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests
✅ Pan-fried or air fryer friendly

Ingredients – Simple, Flavor-Packed Staples

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breast sliced into strips)
1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice as a substitute)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:

½ cup honey
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders, buttermilk, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat.
When the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), fry the chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

💡 Air Fryer Option: Spray tenders lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Step 5: Glaze the Chicken

Brush or toss the fried chicken tenders in the honey butter garlic glaze while hot for maximum absorption.

Serving Suggestions

These honey butter garlic chicken tenders pair perfectly with:

🧀 Macaroni and cheese
🥗 Fresh green salad
🍠 Sweet potato fries or mashed potatoes
🥖 Warm dinner rolls
🥒 Pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast

Variations and Customizations

🔥 Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or hot sauce to the glaze for heat-lovers.
🍋 Zesty Touch: Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten the glaze.
🧀 Cheesy Coating: Mix grated Parmesan into the breading for extra flavor.
🍗 Chicken Wings: Use the same glaze on fried or baked wings for a game-day treat.

Tips for the Best Chicken Tenders

Double dip: For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken in the flour, then back in the buttermilk, and then into the flour again.
Hot oil only: Fry only when the oil is fully heated to avoid soggy coating.
Glaze while warm: Toss or brush on the glaze while the tenders are hot for best absorption.
Avoid overcrowding: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays consistent.

Storing & Reheating

To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunch.

To Freeze:
Freeze unglazed tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in an oven or air fryer before glazing.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Servings)

Calories: ~460
Protein: 26g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 580mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on portion size and cooking method.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and golden.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
A: Yes, just thaw them completely before marinating and coating.

Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Use almond or oat milk with a splash of vinegar to replace buttermilk, and substitute the butter in the glaze with plant-based butter.

Q: Can I use boneless thighs instead of tenders?
A: Absolutely. Thighs are juicy and flavorful—just slice them into strips and follow the same method.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy—comfort food that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or even meal prep, they’re easy to make and always disappear fast.

So, next time you’re craving something indulgent, skip the drive-thru and whip up this homemade version that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

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