Crispy Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Crispy Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders bring together everything home cooks love in one irresistible dish. First, the chicken turns perfectly golden and crunchy. Then, it gets coated in a glossy honey garlic butter sauce that feels rich, cozy, and completely satisfying. Because the flavors balance sweet, savory, and buttery notes so well, this recipe works beautifully for both weeknights and casual entertaining.

Meanwhile, honey-based glazes have long been used in home kitchens to create shine and depth without heavy sauces. In fact, many classic skillet chicken recipes rely on honey to add natural caramelization while keeping meat juicy. Over time, garlic butter became the perfect partner, adding warmth and richness without overpowering the dish.

As a result, this recipe feels familiar yet elevated. It’s quick, approachable, and incredibly rewarding. Whether served with vegetables, rice, or a simple salad, these chicken tenders always disappear fast. Most importantly, they deliver restaurant-style flavor using simple pantry ingredients, making them a repeat-worthy favorite.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb chicken tenders
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 eggs
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the coating:
First, whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs with milk. Then, place panko in a third bowl.

2. Coat the chicken:
Next, dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture. Then, dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat evenly with panko, pressing gently so crumbs adhere well.

3. Pan-fry until crispy:
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken tenders in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate.

4. Make the honey garlic butter sauce:
Reduce heat to low. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently until glossy.

5. Glaze the chicken:
Finally, return chicken to the skillet. Toss gently until fully coated and sticky. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE

• For extra crispiness:
  Because moisture affects browning, pat chicken completely dry before dredging. As a result, the coating adheres better and fries evenly.
• Control the sweetness:
  If you prefer a deeper savory note, reduce honey slightly and add an extra splash of soy sauce. This adjustment keeps flavors balanced.
• Sauce timing matters:
  Always glaze off high heat. Otherwise, the honey can burn quickly and lose its silky texture.