Name: Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped

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If you’re looking for a dish that combines sweet, savory, and crispy in every single bite, these Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession. Each tender is coated in a perfectly seasoned crust, baked until golden, then tossed in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce that clings to every nook and cranny. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at your next gathering, these irresistible tenders strike the ultimate balance between comfort food and a restaurant-worthy treat. Get ready for a recipe that delivers pure joy with every mouthful!

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders is how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something truly memorable. Every component brings its own magic—crunch, flavor, color, or that signature sticky glaze. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Chicken tenders: The star of the show, these are lean, quick-cooking, and just the right size for maximum crunch and flavor in every bite.
All-purpose flour: The first layer in your breading assembly line, helping the egg and crumbs cling to the chicken.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer, ensuring your tenders are never bland.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth, balancing out the sweetness of the sauce.
Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and a pop of color to the breading.
Eggs: Act as the glue that binds the breading onto the chicken for an even, crispy coat.
Panko breadcrumbs: These flaky crumbs deliver that extra crunch, making each bite satisfyingly crisp.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the coating with a savory, nutty richness that makes these tenders stand out.
Unsalted butter: The base of our silky sauce, it gives a rich, luxurious finish.
Garlic cloves: When sautéed, they fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and infuse the sauce with classic flavor.
Honey: Adds a glossy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory elements.
Soy sauce: Offers a hit of umami and balances the sweetness in the sauce.
Hot sauce (optional): For those who love a little heat, this gives the sauce an extra zing.
Fresh parsley: A quick sprinkle at the end adds freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Breading Stations

Set up three shallow dishes: one for the flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika; one for your beaten eggs; and a third for the panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. This assembly line keeps things tidy and makes breading the chicken tenders a breeze.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat all sides. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick for a super-crispy finish.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your coated tenders in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. The tenders should emerge crispy, golden, and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown! Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce if you want a little kick. Let it simmer for two minutes until slightly thickened, creating the signature glaze for your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the tenders are baked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the top. Gently toss to coat every piece, then sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while they’re hot and glistening!

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley brings a splash of green and a hint of herby brightness. If you want to take things up a notch, scatter on a few extra Parmesan shavings or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for color and a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

These tenders are deliciously versatile! Serve them with fluffy steamed rice to soak up every drop of sauce, creamy mashed potatoes for classic comfort, or a side of roasted vegetables for a colorful, balanced plate. They also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For party appetizers, skewer each tender with a toothpick and arrange on a platter with extra sauce for dipping. Or, pile them high on a wooden cutting board with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a rustic, crowd-pleasing presentation. Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders also make a fantastic sandwich filling—just tuck them into a soft roll with slaw and extra sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy snacking.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. For best results, freeze the tenders without the sauce and toss in fresh sauce after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat tenders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. If they’re already sauced, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, an air fryer brings back their crunch in just a few minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of honey butter garlic sauce before serving to revive their signature shine and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice boneless chicken breasts or thighs into strips similar in size to tenders. The result will be just as delicious and perfectly suited to this recipe’s breading and sauce.

Is it possible to make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Double-check your soy sauce as well—tamari makes a great gluten-free alternative.

How spicy are these tenders with the hot sauce?

The hot sauce is completely optional! It adds a gentle warmth rather than real heat, but you can adjust the amount or leave it out entirely based on your personal preference.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Definitely! Air frying at 375°F for 12 to 14 minutes gives an extra-crispy exterior. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket for the best results. Toss in the honey butter garlic sauce right after air frying for maximum flavor.

What’s the best way to keep the breading from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry before breading, press the panko mixture firmly onto each piece, and let the breaded tenders rest for a few minutes before baking. This helps the coating adhere and creates the crispest Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders possible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something sweet, savory, and absolutely unforgettable, these Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are calling your name. They’re easy to make, wildly delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast. I can’t wait for you to dig in and fall in love with this crave-worthy classic—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again!

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously crispy baked chicken tenders coated in a savory breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, then tossed in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to create a seasoned flour mixture.
Prepare Wet and Breadcrumb Mixtures: Place the beaten eggs in a second shallow dish. In a third dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Coat Chicken Tenders: Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the panko and Parmesan mixture.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Simmer Sauce: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce if using. Allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once baked, toss the crispy chicken tenders in the warm honey butter garlic sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the sauced chicken tenders with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For extra crispiness, consider air frying the tenders at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 14 minutes instead of baking.
These chicken tenders pair beautifully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
The honey butter garlic sauce also works great as a dipping sauce served on the side.
Adjust the hot sauce quantity or omit it based on your preference for spice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American