Introduction
If you’re craving crispy fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze, these Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are about to become your new favorite meal. Inspired by restaurant-style chicken tenders, they’re perfectly crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and tossed in an irresistible honey garlic sauce. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner recipes, quick weeknight meals, or family dinner ideas everyone will love, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
- Crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for family dinners, game day, or casual entertaining.
- Kid-friendly and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds (700 g) chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for a thicker sauce)
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Cooking for the whole family tonight?
Grab Robert’s Sweet in 30 — 40 Quick Desserts to complete any meal. No ads, no scrolling. Just recipes.
Get all 40 for $9.99 →
https://therecipelibrary.gumroad.com/l/ghmdf
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels.
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
2. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken for an extra crispy crust.
Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying for maximum crunch.
3. Fry Until Crispy
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer to a wire rack to keep the coating crispy.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes. If you’d like a thicker glaze that’s perfect for holiday entertaining, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.
5. Coat the Chicken
Transfer the crispy chicken to a large bowl.
Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the chicken and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated. This recipe makes an excellent budget-friendly weeknight dinner that’s packed with restaurant-quality flavor.
6. Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and sesame seeds before serving.
Serve immediately while the coating is still crisp. These tenders are also great for meal prep—store the sauce separately and toss together just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
Tired of searching for recipes through a wall of ads?
You came here to cook—not to close pop-ups.
Sweet in 30 puts 40 of Robert’s best dessert recipes in one clean PDF on your phone. No ads. No scrolling. No autoplay videos. Just the recipe, the ingredients, and a Chef’s Note on every single page.
Easy dessert recipes for weeknight family dinners. Impressive holiday baking in 30 minutes or less. Quick treats your guests will ask you to make again and again.
One download. Yours forever. No ads. Ever.
Get all 40 recipes for $9.99 →
https://therecipelibrary.gumroad.com/l/ghmdf
Pro Tips & Variations
For the crispiest chicken, let the coated tenders rest for about 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and creates a thicker, crunchier crust. Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can make the chicken greasy instead of crisp. If you’re looking for healthy substitutions, cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or bake it in the oven until golden. For an extra spicy version, add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the honey garlic glaze.
Budget-friendly tips include using chicken breasts instead of tenderloins and buying larger family packs to freeze for later meals. Beginners will find this recipe easy to master because the coating and sauce come together quickly with everyday ingredients. For meal prep ideas, fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or air fryer before tossing it with freshly made sauce. These crispy tenders are perfect for quick dinner ideas and can also be served in wraps, sandwiches, salads, or rice bowls for delicious leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Fry the chicken ahead of time and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before tossing with the warm sauce.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Mix ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a homemade buttermilk substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Keep the chicken and sauce stored separately until ready to serve for the best texture.
Can beginners make this recipe?
Yes. This recipe uses simple techniques and common ingredients, making it an excellent choice for beginner home cooks.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Sodium | 730 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with French fries, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fluffy steamed rice for a complete meal. They’re also delicious alongside mac and cheese, corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad. Perfect for family gatherings, game day parties, holiday dinners, or a fun date night dinner at home, these crispy chicken tenders are always a crowd favorite.
Conclusion
These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders combine a perfectly crunchy coating with a rich, sticky honey garlic glaze that keeps everyone coming back for more. Easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining, they’re sure to become a family favorite. From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite. Looking for the perfect dessert to go with this? Sweet in 30 has you covered.
Get your copy here →
https://therecipelibrary.gumroad.com/l/ghmdf