Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe offers a delicious homemade alternative to takeout, packed with irresistible sweet, savory, and garlicky notes.
Key Ingredients for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:
Get ready to be amazed by how simple it is to whip up these incredibly delicious and satisfying Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of about 20 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. The crispy chicken paired with the luscious, flavorful sauce is a combination that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, then cut them into tender-sized strips. Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is crucial for getting a crispy coating.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Create three shallow dishes or bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk or water until well combined. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dredge it first in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip in Egg: Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, letting any excess drip back into the bowl.
- Crumb Coat: Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure it’s completely covered. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere. Place the coated chicken tenders on a clean plate or baking sheet.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add about 2 tablespoons of oil (such as vegetable or canola oil). Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken tenders in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection: Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a wire rack or a clean plate while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet (you can wipe it out if there are burnt bits, but it’s not strictly necessary), melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Infuse with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Sweeten and Savory: Pour in the honey and soy sauce (or tamari). Stir well to combine with the garlic butter.
- Add Tang: Stir in the lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
- Coat the Tenders: Add the cooked chicken tenders back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each tender thoroughly in the luscious honey butter garlic sauce. Cook for another minute or so, allowing the sauce to beautifully glaze the chicken.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:
You’ll absolutely adore these Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders for so many reasons! First, the star of the show is the incredibly addictive sauce – a perfect symphony of sweet honey, savory soy, and pungent garlic that clings beautifully to each crispy, tender bite. This flavor profile is a delightful step up from a basic breaded chicken, offering a gourmet experience that feels exceptionally special.
Beyond the fantastic taste, making this dish at home is wonderfully economical. Skip the pricier restaurant versions and enjoy a generous portion of delicious chicken tenders for a fraction of the cost, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s a satisfying, budget-friendly meal that’s guaranteed to make everyone at your table happy. Give these sensational Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, the best method for maintaining crispiness is to use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and place the tenders on a baking sheet. Reheat for 8-12 minutes, or until heated through and the coating is crispened. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side, though they may lose some of their crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the chicken soggy.
If you wish to freeze portions for future meals, allow the cooked chicken tenders to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using one of the methods above.
Final Thoughts:
Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a truly magical combination of simple ingredients and incredible flavor. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Give it a go and taste the delicious difference homemade can make!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, then cut them into tender-sized strips. Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is crucial for getting a crispy coating.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- Create three shallow dishes or bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk or water until well combined. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons milk or water, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dredge it first in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, letting any excess drip back into the bowl.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons milk or water
- Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure it’s completely covered. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere. Place the coated chicken tenders on a clean plate or baking sheet.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add about 2 tablespoons of oil (such as vegetable or canola oil). Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken tenders in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, 2 tablespoons oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a wire rack or a clean plate while you prepare the sauce.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- In the same skillet (you can wipe it out if there are burnt bits, but it’s not strictly necessary), melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Pour in the honey and soy sauce (or tamari). Stir well to combine with the garlic butter.1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Stir in the lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Add the cooked chicken tenders back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each tender thoroughly in the luscious honey butter garlic sauce. Cook for another minute or so, allowing the sauce to beautifully glaze the chicken.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional), 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon lemon juice