If you love that perfect balance of crispy, buttery, and sweet, then the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is a must-try that feels like a warm hug on a plate. These tenders have a golden, crunchy coating that gives way to juicy, tender chicken within, all glazed with a luscious honey butter sauce that’s slightly hinted with heat if you choose to add a touch of hot sauce. It’s comfort food elevated to the next level, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor combination. From the tenderizing buttermilk marinade to the crispy flour and cornstarch coating, every element brings something special to the table.
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders: Naturally tender and perfect for quick cooking with a juicy interior.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy moisture that enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the chicken’s natural taste and seasons the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a rich, savory aroma essential for flavor depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky tone and beautiful color to the coating.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and crispiness for the breading.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Key for extra crunch and lightness in the coating.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Creates tiny bubbles in the coating for a fluffier crunch.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Use a neutral oil that handles high heat for perfectly crisp tenders.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melts into a rich, creamy sauce when combined with honey.
- 1/3 cup honey: Delivers natural sweetness and sticky glaze that clings beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional): Adds a subtle kick to contrast the sweetness in the honey butter glaze.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl where they’ll soak in the buttermilk mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This marinade is crucial because it tenderizes the meat and infuses every bite with flavor. Let the chicken chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for the best taste and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a shallow bowl. This combination is your secret weapon for achieving that ultra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even after drizzling with honey butter.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat it to 350°F. Keeping the oil at the right temperature ensures the tenders cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust without absorbing too much oil or burning.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Take the tenders out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off so the flour mixture can stick properly. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to create a thick, even coating. For those craving extra crunch, dipping the tenders back into the buttermilk and flour mixture for a second coat will deliver just that.
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
Carefully fry the chicken in batches, giving each tender about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil and keep them crispy.
Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan on low heat, melt the butter and stir in the honey. If you like a little heat, add the optional hot sauce here. This warm, sweet, sassy glaze is the finishing touch that makes this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Brush or drizzle the honey butter sauce generously over the freshly fried tenders just before serving to keep them perfectly crispy yet luxuriously glazed.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the honey butter. Thinly sliced green onions also add a nice bite and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs magically with a crisp coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob also complement the tenders beautifully. For something lighter, roasted vegetables or a tangy cucumber salad work wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken tenders on a bed of fluffy white rice drizzled with extra honey butter sauce and scatter toasted sesame seeds on top. Or serve them in slider buns with pickled jalapeños and lettuce for a finger-licking sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh, though the coating may soften slightly, so reheating properly is important to regain crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag to prevent clumping. This way, you can enjoy the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To maintain the crispiness when reheating, arrange the tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Regular milk can work, but it won’t tenderize the chicken as effectively. For a similar effect, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
Is there a way to bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 425°F for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, is a fantastic lighter alternative that still yields great flavor and crispiness.
Can I make the honey butter glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey butter glaze ahead and gently rewarm it before brushing on the chicken. Just be careful not to overheat the butter, which can separate if too hot.
What can I serve as a dipping sauce with these tenders?
Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or even a tangy mustard sauce pair excellently with this recipe. The sweetness of the honey butter balances well with savory or spicy dips.
How do I make the coating extra crunchy?
Double dredging the chicken tenders by dipping them back into the buttermilk and flour mixture twice before frying creates a thicker, crunchier crust that will stay crispy longer.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe that makes it a guaranteed favorite any day of the week. It’s comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make, delivering restaurant-quality taste right from your home kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it around your dinner table. Trust me, once you do, these tenders will become your go-to for easy, crave-worthy meals.
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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of crunchy, golden fried chicken strips coated in a luscious honey butter glaze. Marinated in buttermilk and a blend of spices, then double-dredged in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to perfection, they offer an irresistible crispy texture and sweet, buttery flavor perfect for an easy yet indulgent dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then stir well to evenly coat all pieces. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder until fully combined. This mixture will create a light and crispy coating on the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to ensure the proper temperature for frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the tenders in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere a thick, even coating. For extra crunch, dip the coated tenders back into the buttermilk and then again into the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches to avoid crowding, carefully place the coated tenders into the hot oil. Fry each side for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer for precise doneness.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Transfer the fried tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep cooked tenders warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while frying remaining batches to maintain crispness.
- Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the honey and optional hot sauce until well combined and warm, creating a smooth glaze.
- Glaze the Tenders and Serve: Brush or drizzle the warm honey butter sauce generously over the crispy chicken tenders just before serving to ensure a flavorful, glossy finish.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy coating, double dredge the chicken by repeating the buttermilk and flour mixture dip before frying.
- Keep cooked chicken tenders warm in a low oven (200°F) while frying the rest to preserve crispness.
- Alternatively, bake the chicken tenders at 425°F for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through for a lighter, oven-baked version.
- Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F to achieve the perfect crispy exterior without greasiness.
