Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chicken tenders are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. The honey butter garlic glaze elevates the dish, giving it a rich depth of flavor while the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. With a quick cooking time and pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish is ideal for busy evenings or impromptu dinners.
ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb chicken tenders
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for a light crust)
For the Spicy Honey Garlic Butter Glaze:
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¼ cup honey
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2 tablespoon unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
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Pinch of salt
directions
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Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and flour if using. -
Pan-Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan. -
Make the Glaze:
Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, melt the butter, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in honey, red pepper flakes, and salt. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Coat the Chicken:
Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in glaze. Let rest in the pan off heat for 1–2 minutes. -
Serve:
Serve warm with extra glaze drizzled on top. Great with rice, veggies, or on its own.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 3–4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Air Fryer Version: Air fry seasoned tenders at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in glaze.
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Baked Option: Bake the seasoned tenders at 425°F for 15-18 minutes before glazing.
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Less Heat: Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
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Add Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or orange juice in the glaze adds a zesty twist.
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Breaded Tenders: Dip chicken in egg and coat with panko for extra crunch before cooking.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warm. To maintain crispiness, avoid microwaving for too long.
FAQs
How spicy are these chicken tenders?
The spice level is adjustable—use less red pepper flakes for a milder version or more for extra heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and store it separately from the glaze. Reheat and glaze just before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet to keep the texture intact or microwave in short intervals if you’re in a hurry.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely. Just slice the breasts into strips for similar cooking times and results.
Is the flour necessary?
No, it’s optional. It helps create a slight crust, but the tenders are delicious without it.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
What sides go well with this?
Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad pair wonderfully with these tenders.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grill the seasoned chicken and brush on the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, though fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.
How can I thicken the glaze more?
Let it simmer a bit longer or add a tiny bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
Conclusion
Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect dish for those who crave bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Easy, quick, and endlessly customizable, they’re bound to become a favorite in your weekly rotation. Whether served with classic sides or enjoyed on their own, these tenders are always a hit.
Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a bold, easy-to-make weeknight dinner packed with sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. Juicy chicken tenders are seared to golden perfection and coated in a sticky honey butter garlic glaze with a spicy kick. Ideal for busy evenings or when you're craving something indulgent and crave-worthy, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb chicken tenders
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for a light crust)
For the Spicy Honey Garlic Butter Glaze:
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and flour if using. -
Pan-Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Make the Glaze:
Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, melt butter, add garlic and sauté until fragrant (~30 seconds). Stir in honey, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Simmer 1–2 minutes. -
Coat the Chicken:
Return tenders to the pan and toss to coat in the glaze. Let rest off heat 1–2 minutes. -
Serve:
Serve warm with extra glaze. Great with rice, roasted veggies, or on its own.
Notes
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Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
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Add lemon or orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
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Air fry or bake the tenders for a lighter option.
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Make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter.
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For added crunch, dip tenders in egg and panko before cooking.
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