Description

A fast, small-batch dinner featuring golden, crunchy chicken tenders coated in a sticky, savory-sweet honey butter glaze, perfect for two people with zero food waste.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large chicken tenders (approx. 8–10 oz / 225-280g)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
1/4 cup cornstarch (30g)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or canola)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (30g)
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp whole honey (45ml)
1 tbsp soy sauce (15ml)

Instructions

Pat chicken tenders thoroughly dry with paper towels. If thick, pound to 1/2 inch thickness.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Press chicken tenders firmly into the flour mixture to coat all sides, shaking off excess.
Place tenders in hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same pan and let melt.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in honey and soy sauce, whisking constantly until the mixture bubbles and thickens into a sticky syrup (about 60-90 seconds).
Turn off heat. Return chicken to the pan and toss gently to coat in the glaze.
Plate immediately and serve.

Notes

Do not crowd the pan to ensure frying rather than steaming. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. The glaze should be made last minute to maintain texture. Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispness; do not microwave.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 chicken tenders
Calories: 380
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 650
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 1
Protein: 28

Keywords: chicken tenders, honey butter chicken, small batch dinner, quick dinner, crispy chicken, easy recipe, dinner for two