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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders

Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders
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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders offer the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and buttery flavors. Tender chicken strips are coated in a golden, crackling crust and drizzled with a luscious honey butter glaze that melts into every nook and cranny. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or main meal, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry staples and delivers a family favorite that’s irresistible and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb fresh chicken tenders, boneless
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Frying and Glaze

  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (enough to fill pan about 1 inch deep)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or panko. This ensures an even, crunchy coating on every tender.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each tender first into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating thoroughly.
  3. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated tenders in hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove tenders and drain excess oil on paper towels.
  4. Make the Honey Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey until smooth and combined. Keep the glaze warm and pourable but avoid overheating to prevent burning the honey.
  5. Toss in the Glaze: Transfer the hot chicken tenders to a large bowl. Pour the honey butter glaze over the tenders and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sweet, buttery sauce.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra light and crispy texture.
  • Fry chicken in batches to avoid crowding and maintain oil temperature for crunchiness.
  • Pat chicken dry before breading to help coatings stick better.
  • Use fresh honey for a smoother, sweeter glaze.
  • Keep the glaze warm when tossing to ensure even coating and a glossy finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey butter chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, sweet and savory chicken, fried chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, family favorite chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/crispy-honey-butter-chicken-tenders/