Chicken Tenders

The star of this dish is the chicken tenders. Chicken tenders are tender, juicy, and cook much faster than regular chicken breasts, making them perfect for busy weeknights. They are also easy to handle, especially for those who may not want to deal with deboning or cutting larger pieces of chicken. For this recipe, you can use fresh or frozen tenders, though fresh tenders will yield the best results in terms of texture.

When selecting chicken tenders, try to choose ones that are free of preservatives or added salt. You can find chicken tenders at most grocery stores, either pre-cut or you can buy chicken breasts and slice them into tenders yourself.

Learn more about chicken tenders and their various culinary uses.

Unsalted Butter

Unsalted butter is essential in this recipe because it provides the rich, creamy base for the honey garlic sauce. The advantage of using unsalted butter is that it allows you to control the salt content in your dish. This is especially important if you’re using other salty ingredients like soy sauce or stock in the future, but for this recipe, the butter’s natural creaminess works wonders when mixed with honey and garlic.

If you prefer a lighter option, you could also substitute butter with olive oil, although it will alter the flavor profile slightly. For those who like the rich, traditional taste, stick with unsalted butter for the best results.

Honey

The honey in this recipe adds sweetness, creating the perfect contrast to the garlic’s savory notes. Honey also helps in achieving the beautiful golden-brown glaze on the chicken tenders. The natural sugars in honey caramelize quickly in the air fryer, giving the chicken that crispy, flavorful exterior.

You can use regular honey, or if you want a deeper flavor, try using raw or local honey for an added layer of complexity. Honey also has the benefit of being a natural sweetener, which means you get all the flavor without the refined sugars often found in store-bought sauces.

Garlic

No dish with garlic can go wrong, and this recipe is no exception. Freshly minced garlic brings out the best savory flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the butter. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth to the sauce, which sticks to the chicken tenders beautifully as they cook.

If you’re short on time, you can substitute minced fresh garlic with garlic powder, though fresh garlic will always give the best flavor. For those who love a strong garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two.

Paprika, Salt, and Pepper

The paprika in this recipe serves to enhance the flavor without overpowering it. Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a touch of color to the honey garlic sauce, making it visually appealing and flavorful. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Salt and black pepper are basic seasonings that elevate the other ingredients. A little salt is all you need to balance the sweetness of the honey, and freshly cracked black pepper adds a touch of spice.

Optional Dried Thyme

While not essential, dried thyme brings an aromatic herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. The thyme complements the richness of the butter and honey, offering a layer of complexity to the dish. If you don’t have thyme, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano.

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How to Prepare the Ingredients

Melting the Butter and Mixing the Sauce

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. This helps the butter to evenly blend with the other ingredients. Once the butter is melted, add the honey to the mixture and stir until they are fully combined.

Next, add the freshly minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional dried thyme to the butter and honey mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring that the garlic is well incorporated into the sauce. You want the sauce to be smooth and uniform, without any clumps of garlic or seasonings.

This mixture will be the base for coating the chicken tenders, so it’s important to get the proportions right. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can adjust the amount of minced garlic to taste.

Preparing the Chicken Tenders

Before you begin dipping the chicken tenders, it’s important to pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the honey garlic butter sauce adhere better to the chicken, ensuring an even coating and a crispier texture when cooking. If the chicken tenders are too wet, the sauce might slide off during cooking.

You can either buy chicken tenders pre-cut or slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips. If you’re slicing the chicken yourself, aim for strips that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

Once the chicken tenders are prepared, you’re ready to coat them in the honey garlic butter mixture.

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External Links:

• Butter Wikipedia – Learn about the different types of butter and their uses in cooking.
• Honey Wikipedia – Explore the various types of honey and their health benefits.

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Preheating the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to preheat your air fryer to the optimal temperature of 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly and that the glaze has the chance to caramelize properly, giving your tenders the crispy exterior and juicy interior you’re aiming for. Most air fryers heat up quickly, taking only a few minutes, so it’s a simple step to avoid uneven cooking.

Preheating is crucial because air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so when the air fryer is already at the desired temperature, the food cooks more efficiently. If you don’t preheat your air fryer, you might notice that the chicken isn’t as crispy, or it could cook unevenly. This step ensures a perfect result.

Learn more about air fryer settings and how to adjust them to suit various dishes and preferences.

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Making the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

Now it’s time to prepare the honey garlic butter sauce that will coat your chicken tenders. In a small bowl, combine your melted butter with the honey, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional dried thyme. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and the ingredients are fully incorporated.

This step is important because the honey, butter, and garlic need to blend perfectly for the right consistency. The honey should dissolve into the butter, and the garlic and spices should infuse the mixture with their full flavor.

For the best results, make sure that the garlic is finely minced to avoid large chunks in the sauce, which can affect the final texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can even blend the mixture briefly in a food processor.

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken tenders well but not so thick that it clumps or sticks unevenly. If it feels too thick, add a little more melted butter to loosen it up.

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Coating the Chicken Tenders

Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to coat the chicken tenders. Using tongs or your hands, dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic butter sauce, ensuring that each piece is fully coated. Make sure to gently shake off any excess sauce so it doesn’t overwhelm the chicken and cause uneven cooking. The goal is to create a thin, even layer that will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Tip: If you’re using frozen chicken tenders, ensure that they are fully thawed before dipping them into the sauce. Thawing will help the sauce stick better and prevent any excess moisture from causing the chicken to become soggy during the cooking process.

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Cooking the Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

Now that your chicken tenders are coated in the delicious honey garlic butter mixture, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are arranged in a single layer. It’s important to leave space between each piece to allow the hot air to circulate properly, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides get equally crispy. Depending on the size of your chicken tenders and your air fryer model, the exact cooking time may vary slightly, so it’s a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

As the chicken cooks, you’ll start to notice the glaze turning golden brown, giving the tenders a beautiful, crispy exterior. This is the perfect time to remove them from the air fryer and drizzle any leftover honey garlic butter sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

How to Make Chicken Tenders Crispy

To achieve the perfect crispy chicken tenders, make sure to follow these tips:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If the tenders are too close together, they will steam instead of crisp up. Give them enough space for the hot air to circulate evenly.
• Use a light coat of cooking spray. If desired, lightly spray the chicken tenders with olive oil or cooking spray before cooking to enhance crispiness.
• Preheat the air fryer. As mentioned earlier, preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely from the start.

Variations on the Recipe

This honey garlic butter chicken tenders recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your tastes:

• Add Spices: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Using Different Cuts of Chicken: While chicken tenders are ideal, you can also use chicken breasts or chicken thighs. If you use chicken breasts, ensure they are sliced into strips that are the same thickness to promote even cooking.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the breading altogether. This will give you a more keto-friendly option without compromising on flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil to create a new flavor profile that suits your preferences.

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External Links:

• Paprika Wikipedia – Find out more about this versatile spice and its use in cooking.
• Garlic Wikipedia – Explore the many health benefits and culinary uses of garlic.

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Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Once you’ve made your honey garlic butter chicken tenders, the next step is pairing them with complementary side dishes that balance the rich and savory flavors of the chicken. Here are some great side dish ideas to complete the meal:

1. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy, buttery glaze of the chicken tenders. The fluffy texture of mashed potatoes helps absorb the honey garlic sauce, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal. For a twist, try garlic mashed potatoes or loaded mashed potatoes with cheese and bacon.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or brussels sprouts provide a healthy, flavorful contrast to the richness of the chicken tenders. The slight char from roasting adds depth to the dish, and the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables complements the honey in the sauce.

3. Green Salad

A fresh green salad with crisp lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken tenders. Adding some avocado or a sprinkle of feta cheese will enhance the texture and flavor of the salad.

4. Rice or Quinoa

For a heartier side dish, serve your chicken tenders with rice or quinoa. Both are great options for soaking up the extra honey garlic butter sauce. You can season the rice with herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

5. Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re looking for another fried option, try serving the chicken tenders with sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness pairs well with the honey garlic sauce, and their crispy texture complements the chicken tenders beautifully.

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Meal Prep Ideas

This recipe is great for meal prep, as the chicken tenders store well and can be enjoyed later in the week. Here’s how you can store and reheat the leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

Once the chicken tenders have cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the tenders are completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent condensation from making them soggy.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat your chicken tenders and maintain their crispiness, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the tenders lose their crisp texture.

Using Leftovers

Leftover honey garlic butter chicken tenders can be repurposed into a variety of dishes. You can chop them up and add them to salads, wraps, or even pasta for a quick and easy meal. They also make great sandwich fillings or can be served on a platter with additional dipping sauces.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. However, keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C). Thawing the tenders beforehand will also help the sauce adhere better and ensure they cook more evenly.

What air fryer brand is best for this recipe?

Many air fryer models work well for this recipe, but popular brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Philips consistently deliver great results. Ensure that the air fryer basket is large enough to hold the chicken tenders in a single layer to achieve the best crispiness. Always follow the instructions in your air fryer’s user manual for optimal cooking results.

Can I make this recipe without garlic?

Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer a simpler honey butter sauce. While garlic adds a savory depth to the dish, the honey butter sauce will still be delicious without it, with the honey providing the sweet flavor and the butter offering richness.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover honey garlic butter chicken tenders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for the best results, ensuring they stay crispy.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free version. While this will change the flavor slightly, it will still produce a flavorful glaze for the chicken tenders.

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