Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Let’s talk about a dish that’s about to become your new obsession: Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. Imagine tender, crispy chicken strips smothered in a rich, golden honey butter sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of garlic. It’s sweet, savory, and totally irresistible. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again—whether you’re craving a comfort food fix or looking for a new crowd-pleasing favorite for dinner. The best part? It comes together in no time and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Trust me, these chicken tenders will have you hooked from the very first bite!

Why You’ll Love Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

This dish is more than just delicious—it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, here’s why you’ll fall in love with these chicken tenders:

Versatile:

These honey butter garlic chicken tenders are perfect for a quick family dinner, as a fun appetizer for a party, or as a comforting snack when you need something satisfying. They can be served with just about anything—think mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad!

Budget-Friendly:

The ingredients are simple and affordable, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry. No need for anything fancy, just a few staples that combine to create a mouthwatering dish.

Quick and Easy:

If you’re not in the mood for a complicated recipe, this one’s for you. With a few easy steps, you’ll have golden, crispy chicken tenders coated in the most amazing honey butter garlic sauce. And the best part? It’s done in under 30 minutes!

Customizable:

Want to spice things up? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce for some extra kick. Prefer something a little milder? Keep the garlic the star of the show. This recipe is a great base for experimenting with your favorite flavors.

Crowd-Pleasing:

I mean, who doesn’t love crispy, juicy chicken covered in a sweet and savory glaze? These tenders are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, and they’ll definitely be the first thing to disappear from the table.

Ingredients in Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

The ingredients for this dish are simple but full of flavor. Let’s break them down:

Chicken Tenders:

The stars of the dish! These juicy, tender strips of chicken cook quickly and are perfect for soaking up the delicious honey butter garlic sauce.

All-Purpose Flour:

This is what makes the chicken crispy on the outside. A light coating of flour gives the tenders that irresistible crunch while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside.

Garlic:

The key to the flavor! Fresh garlic is what gives the sauce its savory punch and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and butter.

Honey:

Sweet, sticky, and smooth—honey is the perfect ingredient to bring balance to the dish. It helps create that luscious sauce that coats every bite of chicken.

Butter:

Butter is the base of the sauce and adds that rich, creamy texture. It melts perfectly with the honey and garlic, creating the most heavenly coating for your chicken tenders.

Olive Oil:

Used for frying the chicken tenders, olive oil helps get the outside nice and crispy without overpowering the flavor of the dish.

Salt and Pepper:

For seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors, salt and pepper are a must. You can always adjust to your taste preferences.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to make these crispy, sweet, and savory chicken tenders? Let’s dive in:

Prep the Chicken:

Start by seasoning your chicken tenders with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, lightly coat each tender in flour, making sure they’re evenly covered. Shake off any excess flour.

Heat the Oil:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenders to the pan. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, stir in the honey, and cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

Coat the Chicken:

Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet and toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce until they’re fully coated. Make sure each tender is nicely glazed with that sweet and savory sauce!

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the tenders are coated in the sauce, serve them immediately while they’re warm and crispy. You can garnish with some chopped parsley for a pop of color, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty kick. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 460mg
Total Carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 20g
Vitamin D: 4%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 320mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These crispy, saucy chicken tenders are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

With Fries:

Pair them with some crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a classic comfort food combo.

Over Rice:

Serve these tenders over a bed of rice to soak up any extra honey butter garlic sauce. White rice, brown rice, or even fried rice would be delicious options.

With Veggies:

Add some roasted vegetables on the side, like carrots, broccoli, or green beans, for a balanced meal that’s just as satisfying.

On a Salad:

For a lighter option, serve these chicken tenders over a crisp salad. The sweetness of the honey butter garlic sauce is a perfect match with fresh greens.

With Dipping Sauce:

For extra flavor, serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make the Sauce Spicy:

Want a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the honey butter garlic sauce for some extra heat.

Double the Sauce:

If you love the sauce (and who doesn’t?), feel free to double the amount. Extra sauce can be drizzled over rice or veggies, or even served as a dip on the side.

Gluten-Free Option:

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just make sure to use a gluten-free option for frying.

Storage Tips:

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy.

Freezing:

These chicken tenders can be frozen before frying. Coat the chicken in the flour, then freeze the tenders on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just fry them straight from the freezer!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?

A1: Yes! You can bake the chicken tenders at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q2: How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through?

A2: The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check for any pinkness.

Q3: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

A3: Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into strips, and follow the same steps. You may need to cook them for a bit longer, depending on thickness.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A4: The chicken is best when freshly made, but you can prep the tenders and make the sauce ahead of time. Then, just reheat and coat the chicken right before serving.

Q5: Can I freeze the chicken tenders?

A5: Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders after frying. Just reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes to crisp them back up.

Q6: How can I make the sauce thicker?

A6: If the sauce is too runny, let it simmer for an extra minute or two to thicken. You can also add a bit more honey or a teaspoon of cornstarch to help with thickness.

Q7: Can I use a different sweetener besides honey?

A7: Yes! Maple syrup or agave syrup would work as substitutes for honey, giving the sauce a slightly different flavor profile.

Q8: Can I add other spices to the sauce?

A8: Definitely! A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can add a bit of depth and smokiness to the sauce, making it even more flavorful.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?

A9: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet for the best results.

Q10: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A10: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the honey butter garlic sauce to give it a spicy kick!

Conclusion

These Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a meal—crispy, tender, sweet, and savory all at once. Perfect for dinner, parties, or just when you want something comforting and delicious. They’re quick, easy, and totally crave-worthy, so go ahead and give them a try! I promise they’ll be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy every bite!

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