Description
Crispy, golden, honey-butter-glazed chicken tenders ready in just 20 minutes. This recipe uses pantry staples to create a delicious, affordable meal that costs under $7 per serving.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (approx. 16 oz / 450g)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels and slice horizontally into 1-inch thick strips (4-6 tenders). Pound thick pieces to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten egg and water, and one with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip in the egg wash, and press firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs.
- Place tenders in the hot skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Remove cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in honey and garlic powder. Bubble for 30 seconds until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken tenders to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly in the glaze.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat chicken dry to ensure breading sticks and crisps properly. Do not glaze before frying as the honey will burn. For a gluten-free version, substitute flour and Panko with gluten-free alternatives. For a vegan version, use chickpea flour and aquafaba.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken tender wit
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken tenders, honey butter chicken, budget dinner, 20 minute meals, crispy chicken, cheap dinner, easy weeknight dinner, family friendly