Description
Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are golden, crunchy, and coated in a luscious sweet honey butter sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, these chicken tenders come together quickly using either an air fryer or oven and are sure to please the whole family with their irresistible flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless chicken tenderloins
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Honey Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- â…“ cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- â…“ cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Mixtures: On a large plate, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well. Beat the two eggs in a separate large plate. Place the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt on another separate plate.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: Evenly dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated. Repeat this process with all chicken tenders to ensure an even crust.
- Preheat and Cook the Chicken: Preheat an air fryer to 400°F or an oven to 425°F. For the air fryer, cook the chicken tenders in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Place all tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet if using the oven. Generously spray the tops of the coated chicken tenders with olive oil, flip them over, and spray again to ensure they are well coated. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, or bake in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the tenders are golden and crispy.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, water, and cornstarch in a bowl. Set aside until the chicken is nearly done cooking to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish the Sauce and Coat the Chicken: Melt the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the prepared honey butter sauce mixture and cook for about 2 minutes or until thickened. Add one or two cooked chicken tenders at a time to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce. Repeat until all tenders are covered.
- Serve: Serve the honey butter coated chicken tenders immediately while hot and enjoy this crispy, flavorful comfort food delight.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding chicken tenders in the air fryer or oven.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to your preferred sweetness level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
- To keep tenders crispy after cooking, place them on a wire rack instead of a plate or paper towel.
