If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and irresistibly crunchy textures, then you are going to love this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken tenders soaked in a flavorful marinade, coated in a crispy golden crust, and then finished with a luscious drizzle of warm honey butter. Every bite is an explosion of comfort food magic that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this recipe brings joy to the table like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. Simple but powerful, these ingredients work together to deliver crunchy, tender, and sweet perfection in every bite.
- Chicken tenders: The star of the dish, tender and juicy when marinated properly.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang while tenderizing the chicken beautifully.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika: A flavorful blend that seasons the chicken to savory perfection.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for that irresistible crispy coating.
- Cornstarch: Enhances crunchiness by making the batter light and crisp.
- Baking powder: Helps create an airy, golden crust.
- Vegetable oil: The medium for frying that gives the tenders their perfect golden-brown finish.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to blend with honey for the rich and luscious finishing sauce.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
- Hot sauce (optional): A gentle kick that balances the sweet honey with a little heat.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by mixing buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. This marinade is key because it not only adds flavor but keeps your chicken tender and juicy. Add your chicken tenders, making sure they’re fully submerged, and let them soak up all that goodness for at least 30 minutes — or up to 4 hours if you plan ahead. This step makes all the difference for tender, flavorful bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
While the chicken is marinating, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a separate bowl. This clever combination is what delivers that extra crispy crunch that you’ll fall in love with. The cornstarch lightens up the coating while the baking powder introduces a subtle airiness to the crust.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Once your chicken has soaked up the marinade, remove each tender, letting excess drip off. Then, press them firmly into the flour mixture. Don’t just dust lightly; you want each tender thoroughly coated to get that all-important crispy outer layer when fried. For extra crunch, consider double dredging by dipping back into the buttermilk and flour again!
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F. You want enough oil to submerge most of the chicken. Fry the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking them for 4 to 6 minutes while turning occasionally. Aim for a gorgeous golden-brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. Remove the tenders and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to keep the coating crisp.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter gently. Stir in the honey for that signature sweet finish. If you crave a little heat, add a tablespoon of hot sauce to balance the flavors beautifully. This warm, sticky sauce is what transforms crispy tenders into an unforgettable treat. Brush or drizzle it generously over your freshly fried chicken tenders while still warm.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives adds a welcome pop of color and a subtle freshness that complements the richness of the honey butter so perfectly. For a bit of extra indulgence, toss on some toasted sesame seeds or a dusting of smoked paprika to enhance the visual appeal and flavor layers.
Side Dishes
These Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders deserve sides that match their indulgence. Creamy mashed potatoes, bright coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad are fantastic companions that balance texture and taste. For hearty comfort, try pairing them with buttery corn on the cob or crispy oven-roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Serve these tenders on a wooden board with an assortment of dipping sauces like tangy BBQ, creamy ranch, or spicy aioli. You can also turn them into sliders by placing them inside soft brioche buns with pickles and lettuce for a delicious handheld snack. No matter the presentation, these chicken tenders will steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crispy texture, avoid stacking the tenders on top of one another and consider layering them with parchment paper.
Freezing
These tenders freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay fresh for up to 1 month, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat without losing that crispy crunch, the oven is your best friend. Warm your oven to 375°F, spread the tenders on a baking rack, and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can cut chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary slightly to achieve perfect doneness and crispiness.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s tenderizing effect.
Is it possible to bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. While frying yields the crispest texture, baking is a great alternative for a lighter option.
Can I adjust the spice level in the honey butter sauce?
Definitely! The hot sauce is optional and easily adjustable based on your heat preference. You can omit it for milder tenders or add more for a spicy kick that contrasts the sweet honey butter.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The best way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F. Visually, the outside will be golden and crispy, and the juices will run clear when pierced.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is a true game changer when you want something both comforting and exciting. From the juicy marinated chicken to the crackling golden crust and that luscious honey butter glaze, each element shines and comes together harmoniously. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your table — it might just become your new favorite go-to meal.
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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Marinated in a flavorful buttermilk mix, coated with a seasoned flour and cornstarch blend, then fried to perfection. Finished with a luscious drizzle of warm honey butter sauce with a hint of spicy hot sauce for an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and crispy textures — ideal for a satisfying family dinner or comfort food craving.
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
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
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: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken tenders and ensure they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Whisk well to distribute the ingredients evenly, which helps create a crispy texture on frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the tenders thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even, thick coating. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or deep pan to about 2 inches depth. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for perfect frying.
- Fry the Chicken Tenders: Carefully place chicken tenders in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the coating turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: While frying, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the honey and, if desired, hot sauce until fully combined and warm.
- Serve: Brush or drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the crispy chicken tenders immediately before serving to keep them deliciously moist and flavorful.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double dredge by dipping chicken back into the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
- You can bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (205°C) for 20 to 25 minutes on a wire rack as a healthier alternative, but frying produces the crispiest texture.
- Ensure oil is at the correct temperature before frying to prevent soggy coating or burnt exterior.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature to ensure safe cooking.
- The hot sauce in the honey butter sauce is optional but adds a nice spicy contrast.
