Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders 🍗🍯🧄
These Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and aromatic garlic creates a sticky, savory glaze that takes these tenders to the next level. Whether you’re frying them up for dinner, game day snacks, or a fun appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible chicken tenders step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Juicy : Perfectly fried chicken tenders stay tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- Sweet & Savory : The honey butter garlic glaze adds a flavorful kick that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
- Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Versatile : Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or snack with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Kid-Friendly : A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 4 tablespoons butter , melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works well )
- Optional coating : All-purpose flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs or panko for breading (if desired).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely during frying.
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Optional : For extra crunch, coat the chicken in flour, dip in an egg wash, and then coat with breadcrumbs or panko before frying.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet or fryer over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) .
- Tip : Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for even frying.
- Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side , or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C ).
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter , honey , minced garlic , salt , and black pepper . Stir well to combine.
- Cook the mixture for 2–3 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Place the fried chicken tenders in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey butter garlic glaze over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
Step 5: Serve
- Arrange the glazed chicken tenders on a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped parsley (optional ) and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Garlic : Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor—avoid using garlic powder for this recipe.
- Adjust Sweetness : Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze, or reduce it for a more savory flavor.
- Baking Option : For a healthier alternative, bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes , flipping halfway through, then toss with the glaze after baking.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days . Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze unglazed, cooked chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month . Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and glaze before serving.
Perfect Pairings
These Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders pair beautifully with:
- Ranch or Honey Mustard Sauce : Perfect for dipping and adding extra flavor.
- Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced meal.
- Mashed Potatoes : Creamy mashed potatoes complement the crispy, glazed chicken.
- Salad : Pair with a crisp arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Rice or Quinoa : A bed of fluffy rice or quinoa absorbs the delicious glaze.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 4 servings)
- Calories : ~320 kcal
- Protein : ~25g
- Carbohydrates : ~15g
- Fat : ~18g
- Fiber : ~0g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delicious, indulgent twist on classic fried chicken. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, bringing them to a party, or simply craving something sweet, savory, and crispy, this recipe is sure to please. The sticky honey butter garlic glaze elevates the dish, making it a standout favorite.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the sweetness, adjust the spice level, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your chicken tenders, whip up that glaze, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
