Name: Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders; All-purpose flour; Salt and pepper; Garlic powder; Olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking); Unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Honey; Chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes; Optional: Soy sauce or vinegar for depth

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I’ve made chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, coated in a rich and flavorful spicy honey butter garlic sauce that balances sweetness, heat, and savory garlic perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the tender chicken pieces get a golden crust and then get tossed in a silky, buttery sauce with honey and a spicy kick. It’s quick to make and feels like a special treat any night of the week. Plus, the sauce is so addictive, I find myself wanting to dip everything in it.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenders (about 1 lb / 450 g)
All-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic, minced (3 cloves)
Honey
Chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes
Optional: soy sauce or a splash of vinegar for added depth

Directions

Prep and coat the chicken
I season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then I lightly dredge them in flour to give them a nice crust when cooked.
Cook the chicken tenders
I heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the tenders for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the sauce
In the same pan, I melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, I add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then I stir in honey and chili powder (or red pepper flakes) along with a splash of soy sauce or vinegar if I want extra depth. I simmer the sauce briefly until it thickens slightly.
Toss chicken in sauce
I return the cooked tenders to the pan and toss them in the sauce, coating them evenly and letting them soak up the flavors for about a minute.
Serve
I serve the chicken tenders hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or extra chili flakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep takes around 10 minutes and cooking about 15 minutes, so it’s ready in approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes increase the chili powder or use hot honey for extra heat.
Chicken thighs can replace tenders for juicier meat.
For gluten-free, I swap the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
To reduce oil, I air-fry or bake the tenders instead of pan-frying.
Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end gives the sauce a fresh tang.

Storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer warming them in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Microwaving softens the crust but works if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level depends on how much chili powder or red pepper flakes I add. It’s easy to adjust from mild to spicy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative or oil, though the sauce will be slightly different in texture and flavor.

How do I check if the chicken is fully cooked?

I look for no pink inside and clear juices or use a meat thermometer aiming for 165°F (75°C).

Can I prepare chicken tenders ahead of time?

Definitely. I cook and store them separately and toss in the sauce just before serving.

What sides go well with this dish?

I like serving it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce.

Conclusion

Spicy honey butter garlic chicken tenders have become one of my favorite quick meals. The combination of crispy chicken with a sticky, buttery, sweet, and spicy sauce makes for a comforting dish that always impresses without a lot of effort.

Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-fry
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These chicken tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a luscious spicy honey-butter garlic sauce that hits sweet, savory, and spicy notes all at once.

Instructions

Season the tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then dredge them lightly in flour to create a golden crust.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tenders until golden on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side), cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same pan, then stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add honey, chili powder or red pepper flakes, and optional soy sauce or vinegar. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken tenders to the pan and toss to coat them in the sauce. Let them simmer for a minute to absorb the flavor.
Garnish with extra chili flakes or fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour for dredging.
For extra spice, use hot honey or increase the chili flakes.
If you want lower fat, try air-frying or baking the chicken tenders.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.