Description
These Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with a deliciously crunchy coating. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with a luscious honey butter glaze, they make an easy and crowd-pleasing main course that’s ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Honey Butter Glaze
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Breading Stations: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to create the seasoned flour. Place the beaten eggs in a separate bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl, setting up a dredging station for breading the chicken tenders.
- Bread the Chicken Tenders: Take each chicken tender and first coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure the coating sticks well. This triple-dip method ensures a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the breaded chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around each tender, ensuring even baking and crispiness.
- Make Honey Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the honey and olive oil until smoothly combined to create a glossy honey butter glaze. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Brush and Bake: Generously brush half of the honey butter mixture over the chicken tenders before placing them in the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the baking time. When flipping, brush the remaining honey butter on the other side to infuse maximum flavor and enhance browning.
- Finish and Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the oven. For extra crispiness, optionally broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- These chicken tenders pair perfectly with a side of fresh vegetables, fries, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
