Description
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are perfectly golden fried chicken strips coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and drizzled with a luscious honey butter garlic sauce. This easy-to-make American main course combines savory, sweet, and buttery flavors for an irresistible meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil preferred)
For the Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl for coating.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dip it into the egg and milk mixture, followed by a thorough coating in the panko breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, consider repeating the egg and panko coating step.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough cooking oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch and heat it over medium heat until shimmering and hot, roughly 350°F if using a thermometer.
- Fry the Chicken: Place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown color and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Work in batches as needed.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried tenders from the skillet and set them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the honey and garlic powder until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the crispy chicken tenders or gently toss the tenders in the sauce so each piece is evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the crispy honey butter chicken tenders hot for the best flavor and texture, optionally accompanied by dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by dipping back into the egg and panko breadcrumbs a second time before frying.
- To make a lighter version, bake the coated chicken tenders at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing or spicy mayonnaise for added flavor.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
