If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both comforting and crave-worthy, look no further than these Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! Juicy chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a glossy, sticky sauce that’s equal parts sweet, buttery, and garlicky. Every bite is packed with flavor and just the right amount of tang, turning a simple weeknight into something special. Whether you’re a garlic lover or just in need of a quick, impressive meal, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders in no time. Each component brings something unique to the table, ensuring the end result is irresistibly delicious and perfectly balanced, every single time.

Chicken tenders (1 1/2 pounds): The star of the dish; they cook quickly and stay wonderfully juicy.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory and sweet notes in the dish.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the sauce.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smokiness and a pop of color to the chicken.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps the chicken achieve that perfect crispy exterior for the sauce to cling to.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The base for searing the chicken and locking in its moisture.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): The rich, velvety backbone of the honey butter garlic sauce.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Delivers bold, aromatic flavor with every bite.
Honey (1/3 cup): Adds irresistible sweetness and shine to the sauce.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Balances the sweetness with a touch of savory depth.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional): A splash of tang that brightens up the whole dish.

How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures they’ll sear beautifully and not steam in the pan. Sprinkle them evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Then, toss the seasoned chicken lightly in cornstarch, making sure each piece is coated. This light dusting will give your tenders a gorgeous, golden crispiness that’s just begging for sauce.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them around too much—this helps them develop that lovely, flavorful crust. When they’re golden and cooked through, remove them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it, those browned bits are flavor gold!), reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted and foamy, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and barely golden—don’t let it burn! Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar if you’re using it. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish the Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet, turning to coat each one thoroughly in the sticky sauce. Let them simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling and the flavors to meld. The aroma at this stage is truly irresistible! Serve immediately while everything is hot and glossy.

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a scattering of sliced green onions adds a fresh pop of color and a little brightness to each plate. If you like a bit of heat, a few red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of hot honey can be a fun finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are dreamy alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even a bed of buttery noodles. For a lighter touch, try them with roasted or steamed veggies—think crisp green beans, broccoli, or baby carrots, which all soak up that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, skewer the chicken tenders and serve them with extra sauce for dipping. Or, pile them onto a toasted brioche bun with a slaw for an unforgettable sandwich. They’re even perfect chopped over a salad for a sweet-savory protein boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, simply let the chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken tender and flavorful, even after reheating.

Freezing

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders freeze surprisingly well. Arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight rescue.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra honey butter sauce to keep things moist. You can also microwave in short bursts, but covering with a damp paper towel helps retain the juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts or thighs into strips roughly the size of tenders. The recipe works beautifully with both, though cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness.

Is the apple cider vinegar necessary?

No, but it does add a lovely tang that balances the sweetness of the honey and richness of the butter. If you prefer a milder sauce, feel free to skip it or substitute with a splash of lemon juice.

How do I keep the breading crispy after saucing?

The cornstarch coating helps, but for extra crispiness, try briefly broiling the finished tenders in the oven after glazing. This caramelizes the sauce and gives a slight crunch without drying out the chicken.

Can I make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and double-check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to double the recipe for a crowd?

Cook the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, then make a larger batch of the sauce and combine everything together at the end. Keep the finished tenders warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the sweet-savory glaze and tender chicken that makes these Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders a repeat request in any household. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I can’t recommend this dish enough—give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite!

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders coated in a crispy cornstarch crust and glazed with a sticky, flavorful honey butter garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual meal that pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil

Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

1/4 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)

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Instructions

Season and Coat Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. In a bowl, season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Lightly toss the tenders in cornstarch until each piece is well-coated to achieve a crispy exterior.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Prepare Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Coat Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet. Toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to become sticky and glaze the chicken.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter garlic sauce while cooking.
Make sure the garlic does not burn while sautéing, as it can turn bitter.
Optional apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang and balances the sweetness of the honey.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American