Few things are as satisfying as biting into a crispy, golden chicken tender coated in a sticky, garlicky glaze. Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a crunch that stays even under a luscious sauce. These tenders are incredibly easy to make and taste like they came straight from a restaurant—but with better, fresher ingredients.
When I made these for the first time, I couldn’t stop reaching for more. The honey garlic glaze clings beautifully to each tender, and the combination of crispy coating and sweet sauce makes them totally addictive. Whether you serve them with rice, over salad, or on their own, they’re a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks every box: crispy, saucy, flavorful, and fast. The chicken tenders are fried or baked to a crunchy perfection, then tossed in a glossy honey garlic sauce that’s both sticky and rich. It’s a versatile dish—perfect for weeknight dinners, party platters, or even meal prep. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or sandwich filling.
Print
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders – The Perfect Sweet and Savory Bite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are golden-fried chicken strips coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, party appetizer, or game-day snack with irresistible crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon water + 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with milk.
- Dip chicken strips in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch slurry and add it in, stirring until thickened.
- Toss the fried chicken tenders in the honey garlic sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes for a lighter version.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice, coleslaw, or fries for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken tenders – Tender, juicy chicken pieces are the foundation of this recipe. You can also use chicken breast strips if that’s what you have.
Flour – Helps create the crispy coating that clings to the chicken beautifully.
Eggs – Act as a binder, helping the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to each piece for maximum crunch.
Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs give that light, airy crunch we all love in fried chicken.
Garlic – The star of the glaze, offering that irresistible aroma and deep flavor.
Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps form the glossy, sticky sauce.
Soy sauce – Balances the sweetness with saltiness and umami depth.
Butter – Adds richness and helps the sauce stick perfectly to the tenders.
Cornstarch – Thickens the honey garlic glaze, ensuring it coats every piece evenly.
Oil for frying – Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for crisp results.
Salt and pepper – Simple but essential for seasoning both the chicken and coating.
Directions
Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Set up a dredging station with three bowls—flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. Coat each tender first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally cover with breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For the honey garlic sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce, then whisk in a cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and water) to thicken the sauce. Once glossy and slightly sticky, toss the cooked tenders in the sauce until coated. Serve immediately for the crispiest, juiciest results.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Oven-Baked Version
Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
Air Fryer Method
Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispness.
Spicy Honey Garlic
Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or hot sauce to the glaze for a sweet-heat combo.
Sticky Sesame Style
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for an Asian-inspired twist.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly meal.
Lemon Honey Glaze
Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the sauce with citrus notes.
Crispy Coconut Crust
Mix shredded coconut into the breadcrumbs for a tropical crunch.
Garlic-Lover’s Upgrade
Add extra garlic cloves for a stronger, more robust flavor.
Kid-Friendly Mild
Skip the soy sauce and replace it with a bit of chicken broth for a lighter glaze.
Honey BBQ Fusion
Stir a tablespoon of barbecue sauce into the honey glaze for smoky sweetness.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, they bake up beautifully—just drizzle with oil before baking for crispness.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently before tossing.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable or canola oil works best due to their high smoke points.
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, just slice it into strips for similar results.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken before frying.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Is this dish very sweet?
It’s balanced—the honey adds sweetness, but the garlic and soy sauce keep it savory.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely, it’s great to have extra for drizzling over rice or veggies.
What sides go best with this dish?
Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad pair perfectly.
Can I freeze the tenders?
Yes, freeze cooked tenders without sauce for up to 2 months, then reheat and toss in fresh glaze.
Conclusion
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, golden, and dripping with a sweet and garlicky glaze that clings to every bite. The combination of flavors makes this dish universally loved, and its simplicity makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, these tenders promise an irresistibly crunchy exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Serve them once, and they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!