Honey butter chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in the most delicious sticky-sweet sauce. This chicken tenders recipe is pure comfort food and an easy weeknight meal to make!
Made in the air fryer for that perfect crunch without the deep-frying mess, this chicken tenders recipe is one you’ll want on repeat.
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What Are Honey Butter Chicken Tenders?
If you’ve never had honey butter chicken tenders before, get ready for a flavor bomb. This popular dish features crispy breaded chicken tenders tossed in a glossy, buttery honey-soy-garlic glaze.
You get that sweet-savory combo with just the right hint of garlic, and they’re especially amazing when made in the air fryer for easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Crispy and juicy texture combo: Golden outside, tender and juicy inside—what’s not to love?
- Easy to make at home: No need to deep-fry or fuss. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting.
- Sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze: The honey butter sauce is rich and flavorful with a touch of umami.
- Kid- and crowd-approved: These are seriously the best for picky eaters or casual get-togethers.
If you like this chicken recipe, then check out my Gochujang Chicken Thighs and Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken!
Ingredients
- Chicken Tenderloins: The star of the dish—tender, lean, and perfect for breading.
- Flour: Helps the egg and panko stick to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth right into the breading.
- Salt + Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out flavor.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to help the coating adhere.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Extra crispy and light for the perfect crunch.
- Soy Sauce: Savory and salty base for the honey butter glaze.
- Honey: Adds that signature sticky sweetness.
- Garlic: Intensifies the flavor in the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze to coat every piece.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and that luscious, velvety finish.
Customizations
- Make it Spicy: Add a little chili crisp or sriracha to the honey butter sauce for a heat kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Baked Version: No air fryer? These are still delicious baked in the oven.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken Tenders
Set Up the Breading Station
In separate shallow dishes, prepare your flour mixture, beaten eggs, and panko. Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, then egg, then panko—pressing firmly so the coating sticks.
Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the breaded tenders in a single layer (working in batches if needed), and spray generously with oil.
Flip, spray the other side, and air fry for about 10–12 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Make sure internal temperature reaches 165F!
Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, water, and cornstarch in a bowl.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then pour in the sauce. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until the honey butter sauce thickens.
Coat the Chicken
Toss the crispy chicken tenders in the honey butter sauce, turning them gently to get every piece glossy and coated.
Serve It Up
Plate with fluffy rice, veggies, and drizzle on extra sauce if you saved some—you won’t regret it.
Storage
These are best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Tips
- Don’t skip the oil spray: It helps the breading crisp up and get that golden finish.
- Save extra sauce: It’s great for drizzling over rice or even veggies!
Honey Butter Chicken Tenders
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.25 pounds chicken tenderloins boneless
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1.25 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil spray
Honey Butter Sauce
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Setup your breading station for the chicken tenders. In 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 in another separate plate.½ cup all-purpose flour, 1.5 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, Freshly cracked black pepper, 2 eggs, 1.25 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 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 remaining chicken tenders.1.25 pounds chicken tenderloins
- Preheat air fryer to 400F for a few mins. Add chicken tenders (don’t overcrowd and cook in batches as needed) then spray the chicken tenders generously with oil. Flip the chicken and spray with more oil until well coated all over. Air fry for 10-12 mins until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165F.For alternate cooking methods, see recipe notes below.Oil spray
- While the chicken is cooking, make the honey butter sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, garlic, water, and corn starch in a cup or bowl. Set aside until the chicken is done cooking.⅓ cup soy sauce, ⅓ cup honey, 5 garlic cloves, ⅓ cup water, 1 tsp cornstarch
- In a large pan, add butter and let it melt down then add the sauce mixture and cook for 1-2 mins until thickened. Add the chicken tenders to the pan and coat evenly, about 30 seconds. Turn off the heat, remove the chicken, and save any extra sauce for drizzling later.4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Serve chicken tenders with fluffy white rice, veggies, and other sides you desire.
Jodie says
Made this recipe for my family and it was a big hit and so easy too!
Herman says
I agree it is so easy, thanks and so glad your family loved this one!
Lou Bentley says
Absolutely devine!!
Herman says
Thanks so much!
Joan says
This recipe is amazing. Full of flavor and filling!
Herman says
Thank you, so happy you liked my recipe!