If you’re searching for a dish that brings together sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors in a way that feels absolutely irresistible, then this Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. These golden-brown chicken tenders get coated in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce that clings perfectly, making every bite a delightful balance of crispy, tender, and sticky goodness. It’s a simple recipe but packs in so much heart and flavor—trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to meals for busy weeknights or even casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role without complicating things—just great flavors coming together to create something extraordinary. From the crispy coating to the rich, buttery sauce, everything you need is straightforward and easy to find.
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders: Tender, juicy chicken strips that cook quickly and soak up all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light, crispy coating for the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates the natural flavor of the chicken and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight kick and depth to the coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note and beautiful color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for frying the tenders evenly without overpowering the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Forms the base of the sauce, delivering richness and smooth texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with vibrant aroma and bold flavor.
- 1/3 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that pairs amazingly with garlic and butter.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami contrast that balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of fresh green color and a fresh bite to finish.
How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Start by combining the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish. This mixture gives your chicken tenders a flavorful, seasoned crust that crisps up beautifully in the pan while locking in juiciness.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off excess flour. This step ensures you don’t end up with a heavy, gummy crust, just a perfectly light and crispy exterior that’s irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Tenders
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken tenders and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. This golden crust is the base for all the delicious sauce that follows.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
After removing the chicken from the pan, lower the heat and add the butter to the same skillet. Melt the butter, then stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This step gives the sauce its signature garlic punch without bitterness.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Toss
Next, stir in the honey and soy sauce, combining everything into a glossy, sticky sauce. Return the chicken tenders to the pan, tossing them gently so each piece is coated with that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling perfectly to the chicken.
How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing with freshly chopped parsley gives this dish a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness of the honey butter garlic sauce. If you love a little extra zing, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat that complements the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with comforting sides like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Each side offers a neutral or savory counterpoint that balances the intense flavors of the tenders while adding variety to your meal plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these chicken tenders over a bed of garlic butter noodles or pile them onto a fresh salad for a hearty, satisfying lunch. You can also skewer the tenders as finger food for parties, drizzling extra honey butter garlic sauce on top for that “wow” factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep some of the sauce secured with the chicken to maintain flavor and moisture when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with as much air removed as possible, and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken tenders gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning any reserved sauce over them to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can dry them out and reduce the crispiness of the coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs cut into strips work wonderfully in this recipe and offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
Is this recipe spicy?
The classic version isn’t spicy, but if you’re a fan of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you add the garlic. It adds a subtle kick that plays beautifully with the sweet and savory notes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to maintain a crispy coating without gluten worries.
What’s the best way to get the sauce to thicken?
Simmering the sauce slowly after you add the honey and soy sauce allows it to reduce and thicken enough to coat the chicken without becoming too runny. Be patient and stir gently.
How do I make this dish in larger quantities?
Double or triple the ingredients and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each tender crisps up nicely and the sauce remains perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe is hands down one of those magical dishes that makes weeknight dinners feel special and restaurant-worthy. Its combination of sweet honey, savory soy, rich butter, and fragrant garlic makes every bite unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your household as well!
Print
Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken coated in a flavorful flour mixture, pan-fried to a golden crisp, and tossed in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce with a hint of soy. Quick and easy to prepare, it makes a perfect weeknight main dish served with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce & Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create an even flour mixture for dredging the chicken tenders.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure an even, light coating that will crisp nicely when cooked.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken tenders and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low in the same skillet. Add the butter and allow it to melt fully. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine sauce ingredients: Add the honey and soy sauce to the skillet, stirring to blend everything into a smooth sauce. Let it cook for a minute to begin thickening.
- Coat the chicken: Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet. Toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Simmer everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the chicken tenders to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking the garlic.
- You can substitute chicken thighs cut into strips if preferred instead of chicken tenders.
- To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
