Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders

Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders in about 30 minutes! This easy weeknight dinner is comfort on a plate!

Looking for an easy dinner recipe? These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Homemade Honey Butter Sauce are so flavorful and cooked to perfection. Just like your favorite restaurant-style chicken, they’re perfectly succulent coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and a sweet and savory honey butter sauce. Serve them alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or golden french fries for a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

CRISPY CHICKEN TENDERS WITH HOMEMADE HONEY BUTTER SAUCE

The magic of these honey butter chicken tenders lies in the decadent honey butter that coats every bite. This sauce combines rich, buttery sweetness with honey, the savory depth of soy sauce, and an aromatic punch of fresh garlic. Lightly thickened with cornstarch, it clings perfectly to the chicken. The crispy panko-coated chicken adds a satisfying crunch to the juicy interior of the chicken, balanced with a sweet and savory glaze. This quick chicken recipe is packed with comforting flavors, making it a family favorite meal you’ll crave year-round, especially on chilly fall nights.

Find my expert tips on how to make honey butter chicken tenders even more tasty below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Homemade Honey Butter Sauce:

• Quick & Easy-To-Prepare: Ready in around 30 minutes, this honey butter chicken tenders recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or protein-fueled meal prep.
• Perfectly Tender & Juicy: The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection, locking in moisture for a tender bite every time.
• Sweet & Savory: The homemade honey butter sauce balances rich, buttery notes with a touch of honey sweetness and garlicky depth. Pure comfort on a plate.
• Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: The panko coating gives a light, golden crunch that complements the juicy chicken inside.

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders

• 1 1/4 pounds boneless chicken tenderloins
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs

Honey Butter Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 4 Tablespoons salted butter
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

For The Chicken Tenders

On a large plate, add flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and mix well. In a separate large plate, crack and beat the eggs. Lastly, add panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt to another separate plate.

Coat the chicken tenders evenly in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, then press the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs until well coated. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F OR preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. If using the air fryer, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding. If using the oven, place all of the chicken tenders on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Spray the tops of the chicken tenders generously with olive oil spray. Flip the chicken and spray with more oil until well coated all over. Air fry for 10 to 12 mins or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. OR bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

For The Honey Butter Sauce

Meanwhile, make the honey butter sauce by combining the soy sauce, honey, garlic, water, and cornstarch in a bowl. Set aside until the chicken is almost done cooking.

In a large skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Add the honey butter sauce mixture and cook for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add one to two cooked chicken tenders at time to the pan and coat evenly in sauce. Repeat with all chicken tenders. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings

Serves: 2 to 3

Storage and Reheating

Let the chicken cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store any leftover honey butter sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to one week.

To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes for a crispier exterior. Reheat the sauce separately and drizzle it over the chicken just before serving to keep it perfectly flavorful.

Holly’s Tips for the Best Honey Butter Chicken Tenders:

• Don’t Overcrowd The Air Fryer: Cook the chicken in two batches so each piece gets crispy on all sides and cooks evenly.
• Patience With Coating: Press the panko crumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure a golden, crunchy crust that stays in place.
• Control Your Heat: Air fry at 400°F and watch carefully—too high and the coating can brown before the chicken is cooked through.
• Make The Sauce Last: Prepare the honey butter sauce while the chicken cooks, so it’s hot, glossy, and perfect for coating immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Similar Recipes

Craving something similar? Give my delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Bites a try!

In the mood for something different? Air Fryer Steak Bites feature juicy morsels of sirloin steak bursting with paprika, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.

Looking for more chicken air fryer recipes? Start with my Air Fryer Ranch Chicken or Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken, both great options for easy weeknight dinners.

Craving something extra crispy? This Crispy Onion Chicken is packed full of flavor from the creamy honey mustard and crispy fried onions on top of a bed of skinless chicken breasts.

Have you made this Honey Butter Chicken Tenders recipe? ❤️

Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #HoneyButterChickenTenders #AirFryerChickenTendersRecipe #LifeInTheLofthouse

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