Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite)
If you’re searching for a dish that combines crispy, golden chicken tenders with a luscious honey-butter glaze, look no further than this Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite) recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds. These tenders are juicy on the inside with a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating, then coated in a buttery honey sauce that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers classic comfort with a touch of elegance.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite) recipe is a go-to because it balances flavor, texture, and simplicity. The chicken is coated in a well-seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture that creates a crispy crust, while the honey-butter sauce adds a rich, glossy finish. The seasoning blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika ensures every bite is packed with flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. Plus, frying the tenders in vegetable oil gives a golden exterior that’s hard to resist. This recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it accessible and easy to whip up on any weeknight.
What Goes Into Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite)
- 1 pound chicken tenders – tender and quick to cook
- 1/2 cup honey – adds sweetness and glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter – richness to balance honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – savory depth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – subtle sweetness and aroma
- 1 teaspoon paprika – smoky warmth and color
- Salt and pepper to taste – enhances all flavors
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – for the breading base
- 2 large eggs – helps the coating stick
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – crispy texture
- Vegetable oil for frying – neutral oil with high smoke point
Recommended Tools
- Heavy skillet or frying pan – for frying chicken evenly
- Mixing bowls – to set up dredging stations (flour, eggs, breadcrumbs)
- Tongs – for flipping chicken tenders safely
- Whisk – to beat eggs and mix honey-butter sauce
- Paper towels – to drain excess oil after frying
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts
Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite) in Steps
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Seasonings
Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over the chicken tenders, making sure each piece is well coated.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. The flour helps the egg adhere, and the eggs help the breadcrumbs stick, creating a crispy crust once fried.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders
One at a time, dredge each seasoned chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Set each breaded tender aside on a plate as you go.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or when a breadcrumb sizzles upon contact), carefully place the chicken tenders in the pan without crowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 5: Make the Honey-Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the honey until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Be careful not to let it boil or burn.
Step 6: Toss the Tenders in the Sauce
Place the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour the warm honey-butter sauce over them. Gently toss to coat each tender evenly with the glossy sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite) hot, with your favorite dipping sauces or sides. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of rice. For a pasta twist, try pairing with Honey Mustard Chicken Bowtie Pasta for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
In-Season Swaps
- Chicken breast strips – if you prefer a leaner cut
- Panko breadcrumbs – for an even crispier texture
- Maple syrup instead of honey – for a deeper, woodsy sweetness
- Smoked paprika – adds a smoky dimension to the seasoning
- Olive oil for frying – if you want a slightly different flavor profile
Mistakes That Ruin Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite)
- Skipping the drying step: Not patting the chicken dry results in a soggy coating that won’t stick well.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many tenders at once drops the oil temperature and leads to greasy, unevenly cooked chicken.
- Not seasoning the flour and breadcrumbs: This causes bland coating—seasoning is key for full flavor.
- Burning the honey-butter sauce: Honey can scorch quickly if cooked on too high heat, so keep it low and stir continuously.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
You can make a big batch of Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite) ahead of time and freeze them for later. After frying and cooling completely, place the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
Ask & Learn
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the breaded tenders on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly less crispy than frying but still delicious.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness before serving again.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a juicier, more flavorful option. Just be sure to cut them into strips and adjust cooking time as needed. For a different take, try this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Orzo recipe for inspiration.
Is it okay to use flavored breadcrumbs?
Flavored breadcrumbs can add extra taste but be mindful of the seasoning balance. If using seasoned breadcrumbs, reduce added salt and spices in the flour and chicken to avoid overpowering flavors.
Keep Cooking
- Honey Mustard Chicken Bowtie Pasta – a creamy, tangy pasta dish perfect as a side or main
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Orzo – a savory and sweet chicken and pasta combo
- Classic Macaroni and Cheese – creamy and cheesy comfort food that pairs well with chicken tenders
- Roasted Vegetables Medley – a colorful and healthy side to brighten up your plate
Wrap-Up
Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite) bring together crispy, tender chicken with a luscious honey-butter glaze that’s impossible to resist. This recipe is simple to follow, uses accessible ingredients, and delivers a crowd-pleasing flavor profile. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or meal prepping, these tenders are a reliable favorite that will keep everyone coming back for more. The easy breading and frying technique coupled with the sweet, buttery sauce make this dish a standout on any table. Remember to avoid common pitfalls like overcrowding the pan or burning the sauce to ensure perfect results every time. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and dive into making these irresistible Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite) that are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
With these chicken tenders on your menu, meal time just got a whole lot sweeter—and buttery!
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Honey-Butter Chicken Tenders (Family Favorite)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over the chicken tenders.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each seasoned chicken tender in flour, shake off excess, dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until hot (around 350°F). Fry chicken tenders 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Melt unsalted butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in honey until smooth and slightly thickened, avoiding boiling or burning.
- Place fried chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour warm honey-butter sauce over and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or sides like fresh salad or rice.
Notes
- Patting chicken dry is essential for a crispy coating that sticks well.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to keep oil temperature consistent and avoid greasy tenders.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.
