Name: Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for a light crust); ¼ cup honey; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference); Pinch of salt

Get ready to fall head over heels in love with Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! Imagine juicy strips of chicken, perfectly golden and tender, dressed in a lip-smacking glaze that hits every flavor note — sweet, spicy, buttery, and aromatic. This recipe is the ultimate answer to a comfort food craving, delivering bold flavor with surprisingly simple steps. Whether you’re aiming to wow your family at dinnertime or you need a showstopper for a cozy night in, these irresistible chicken tenders will absolutely steal the spotlight.

Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders is that they rely on pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients to create layers of flavor, crunch, and color. Each item plays a vital role in bringing this dish to flavorful life, from the backbone of savory spices to the luscious honey glaze.

Chicken tenders: The star of the show—chicken tenders stay juicy and cook quickly!
Olive oil: Helps achieve that irresistible golden sear on every piece.
Garlic powder: Gives the chicken a foundation of aromatic flavor in every bite.
Paprika: Lends warmth and a gorgeous hint of color.
Chili powder: Adds smokiness and just the right amount of heat.
Black pepper: Boosts the spices with a gentle kick.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the taste.
All-purpose flour (optional): Guarantees a light, crispy crust, but you can skip if you prefer a lighter bite.
Honey: Brings sticky sweetness to the glaze and helps the sauce cling beautifully to each tender.
Unsalted butter: Makes the glaze rich, silky, and utterly irresistible.
Garlic (fresh, minced): Infuses the glaze with real-deal garlic flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Choose your own adventure with spice levels!
Pinch of salt (for glaze): Brightens up all the sweet and savory flavors in the sauce.

How to Make Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken tenders a super-flavorful foundation. Toss them in a large bowl with the garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and a light dusting of flour if you’re after a crispier crust. This spice mix forms a tasty base and the optional flour gives an extra-tempting bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers. Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer and let them cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for golden-brown outsides and a juicy, cooked-through center (an instant-read thermometer should hit 165°F/74°C). Once done, set the tenders aside on a plate—you’ll want them ready for that glorious glaze.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Honey Garlic Butter Glaze

Lower the heat to medium, but keep that skillet working for you. Melt the unsalted butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then whisk in honey, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. As the mixture bubbles, it will thicken slightly, developing a rich, sticky finish that will cling to your chicken like a flavorful hug.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken tenders to the pan of bubbling glaze. Toss gently so every tender gets an even, glossy coating. Spoon extra sauce on top to ensure each bite is loaded with that signature spicy honey butter garlic flavor. Give it a minute or two for the chicken to soak in all the goodness right off the heat.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer your Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders to a serving platter while they’re still piping hot. Drizzle any leftover glaze right on top and get ready for a showstopping meal. Whether enjoyed solo, on a salad, or with your favorite sides, these tenders promise big, bold satisfaction.

How to Serve Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A finishing touch goes a long way. Try scattering chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over your Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders for a vibrant pop of color and brightness. For extra flair, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thin-sliced green onions makes each piece look and taste even more special.

Side Dishes

These flavorful tenders pair perfectly with all sorts of sidekicks. For something classic, serve with steamed jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy dinner rolls that are perfect for mopping up any remaining glaze. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad balance out the richness and bring freshness to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate and turn your Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders into shareable crowd-pleasers. Slide them into tacos with slaw, pile them onto a sandwich or wrap, or slice them thin and toss in a bold salad. They also make an impressive party platter appetizer with toothpicks and extra glaze for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The glaze helps the chicken retain its moisture and flavor, so it’s just as enjoyable the next day.

Freezing

These chicken tenders freeze surprisingly well. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze quickly, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight for a nearly instant dinner solution.

Reheating

Warm leftover Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders in a skillet over low heat to restore their saucy richness, or pop them into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but gentle reheating helps preserve that signature juiciness and sticky glaze.

FAQs

How spicy are Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

You control the heat! The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can bump it up or tone it down based on your taste. Start with ½ teaspoon for mild heat or go up to a full teaspoon for more spice.

Can I make these with chicken breasts or thighs?

Absolutely—just slice chicken breasts into strips or use boneless, skinless thighs cut into pieces. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked, and you’ll get the same delicious results.

Is the flour really necessary?

The flour is totally optional. It gives the chicken tenders a light, crispy exterior, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free or lighter version, feel free to skip it! The flavors will still shine through.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Bake the seasoned chicken tenders at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss with the glaze just as you would in the skillet. They’ll still be super tasty, and it cuts down on hands-on cooking.

What type of honey works best?

Any mild, runny honey will work wonders in the glaze. Local wildflower or clover honey are especially nice, but feel free to use what you have on hand—it’s the sweetness and stickiness that matter most.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the combination of flavors in Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. Every bite is a little sweet, a little spicy, and wonderfully satisfying. If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing dish to brighten up any meal, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Roll up your sleeves and treat yourself or your family to this bold and easy favorite—you won’t be disappointed!

Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe