Description
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside. These homemade tenders are coated in seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection, then coated with a luscious honey butter sauce, making them a delightful main course perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Honey Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
For Frying and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixtures. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika to season the dry flour mixture. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using for added heat.
- Coat the chicken tenders. Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs to coat fully. Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumb mixture to thoroughly cover each piece for a crispy exterior.
- Fry the coated chicken tenders. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully add the coated chicken tenders in batches, frying each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Make the honey butter sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter slowly and stir in the honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined, taking care not to burn the butter.
- Coat the fried tenders with honey butter. Drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the cooked chicken tenders or gently toss them in the sauce to ensure even coating and a glossy finish.
- Serve garnished. Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place the coated tenders in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes after frying to finish cooking and crisp the crust further.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- This recipe pairs excellently with dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or hot sauce for added flavor variety.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
