Description
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders combine an irresistible crunchy coating with tender, juicy chicken inside, finished with a luscious honey butter glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this quick and simple recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Honey Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey (or pure maple syrup as substitute)
Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil), enough for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the breading adheres well and fries up crispy.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In a second bowl, combine the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs or panko.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumbs or panko, pressing gently to help them stick. Set aside on a plate.
- Fry the Tenders: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey and warm until fully combined and smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Place the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl, pour the warm honey butter sauce over, and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Dry the chicken thoroughly before coating to prevent soggy breading.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy tenders.
- Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature consistent.
- Warm the honey butter sauce gently to prevent separation and ease coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, crispy chicken, honey butter sauce, fried chicken, comfort food, appetizer, gluten-free option
