Description
Crispy, sticky, and full of bold flavor, these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re searching for a quick dinner idea, a new family favorite, or easy party food ideas, this recipe delivers. Juicy chicken strips are double-dredged and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a sweet, garlicky glaze that clings to every bite. It’s a perfect mix of comfort food and finger-licking goodness — ideal for weeknights, game days, or when you want an easy recipe that feels extra special.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying
0.5 cup honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
0.25 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken tenders dry and marinate them in buttermilk for 15–30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Set up a dredging station: flour mixture, beaten eggs, and a plate for coated tenders.
4. Dip chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again for a double coating.
5. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C) and fry tenders in batches until golden and cooked through.
6. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
8. Add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
9. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (optional).
10. Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
11. Garnish with parsley, cilantro, or sesame seeds.
12. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Double-coating the chicken ensures a crispy crust that holds sauce perfectly.
Use a wire rack if baking instead of frying to keep tenders crispy.
Sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: honey garlic, chicken tenders, crispy chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken recipes