Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra punch of flavor, add a small amount of chili flakes to the honey-garlic butter if a spicy kick is desired. This variation complements the sweetness of the honey and the savory notes of the soy sauce perfectly, creating a complex flavor profile that elevates the dish even further.

If you find the garlic is browning too quickly, add it to the skillet a few seconds after the butter has melted. This ensures the garlic flavors the butter without becoming burnt or bitter.

The goal is to have soft, aromatic garlic slices that integrate seamlessly into the sticky glaze on the chicken.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of gochujang or red chili flakes to the butter and honey mixture. This adds a vibrant heat that balances the natural sweetness of the honey and provides a deeper, more complex flavor profile to the final glaze.
• Sesame Ginger Crunch: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger into the sauce and sprinkle the finished tenders with toasted sesame seeds. This variation adds a bright, aromatic element that pairs beautifully with the savory soy sauce and crispy chicken crust.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore some crispness.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the crust will degrade significantly upon thawing and reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes until hot and slightly crisp.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the chicken will lose its signature crunch the longer it sits in the sauce. For best results, store the fried chicken and the sauce separately if you plan on eating it over several days.

You can prepare the chicken tenders by dredging them in the starch and keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before frying.

The sauce can be made in advance and kept at room temperature, then reheated in the skillet until it foams just before you are ready to toss the freshly fried chicken.

Serving ideas

Serve the honey butter garlic chicken tenders hot, ideally accompanied by a simple side like steamed white rice or a crisp cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet glaze.

The chicken is best enjoyed immediately after tossing, while the crust is at its absolute peak of crispness.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving these alongside a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light noodle dish.

The versatility of the honey-garlic flavor profile allows it to pair well with various sides, making it a reliable staple for quick and satisfying dinners that feel special enough for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Prep 10 minCook 6 minTotal 16 minServes 2

Ingredients

• 400 g chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup potato starch
• 60 g salted butter
• 45 ml wildflower honey
• 15 ml soy sauce
• 6 cloves garlic cloves, sliced

Instructions

1. Place the chicken tenders into a bowl and coat them thoroughly with the buttermilk. Once coated, dredge each piece individually in the potato starch, ensuring an even and complete layer of starch covers every inch of the surface to create that signature crust.
2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 365°F (185°C). Carefully lower the dredged chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 5 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove carefully and drain.
3. In a separate small skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and sliced garlic. Simmer until the mixture begins to foam. Immediately add the fried chicken tenders to the skillet and toss for 30 seconds until every piece is perfectly coated in the honey-garlic glaze.

Contains: gluten, soy, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.