introduction

This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe gives you crunchy chicken with a sweet garlic glaze. It tastes like a takeout favorite and is easy to make at home. For a similar idea and extra tips, see a crispy honey garlic chicken recipe.

why make this recipe

You will get crunchy, golden tenders and a sticky, buttery honey sauce. The recipe cooks fast. Kids and adults like it. You can air fry or bake, so it fits your kitchen tools.

how to make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Coat the chicken in flour, egg, and panko so the outside gets very crispy. Cook the tenders in the air fryer or oven until they reach 165°F. While the chicken cooks, make the sauce by mixing soy, honey, garlic, water, and cornstarch, then stir it into melted butter until it thickens. Toss the hot tenders in the sauce so each piece is well glazed. Serve right away for the best crunch and shine.

Ingredients :

1 ¼ pounds boneless chicken tenderloins
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil spray
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
4 garlic cloves (minced)
⅓ cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
4 tablespoons salted butter

Directions :

On a large plate, mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
On a second plate, beat the eggs.
On a third plate, add the panko breadcrumbs with a small pinch of salt.
Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, then press firmly into the panko until fully coated. Repeat with all the chicken.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F or preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place chicken in a single layer. If using an air fryer, cook in batches.
Spray the tops generously with olive oil spray, flip, and spray again. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes or bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, water, and cornstarch in a bowl.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the honey mixture and cook for about 2 minutes until thickened.
Add one or two cooked chicken tenders at a time to the skillet and coat them in the sauce. Repeat until all tenders are glazed. Serve immediately.

how to serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Serve hot on a plate or in a basket. Add lemon wedges or chopped green onions if you like. Serve with rice, fries, or a simple salad. For dipping, offer extra honey or mayonnaise-based dip.

how to store Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Cool leftovers to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back some crisp. The sauce may soften the breading over time.

tips to make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Pat the chicken dry so the coatings stick better.
Press the panko firmly on the chicken for a thick crust.
Do not crowd the air fryer or oven tray. Cook in a single layer.
Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temp.
Toss the tenders in the sauce just before serving to keep some crunch.

variation (if any)

Make it spicier: add 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Use crushed cornflakes instead of panko for a different crunch.
Make smaller nuggets for party snacks by cutting the tenders into pieces before coating.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A: Yes. Cut breasts into strips about the same size as tenderloins so they cook evenly.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make and cool the sauce, store in the fridge up to 2 days, then warm before tossing with chicken.

Q: Will the breading stay crispy after saucing?
A: The sauce will soften the breading over time. Toss tenders in the sauce just before serving to keep the most crisp.