Name: Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders (trimmed if needed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for crispier crust); 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature or cut into pieces); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 pinch salt (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, spicy, and sweet all at once, these Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the kind of comfort food that disappears from the plate before you can say seconds. A sticky honey-garlic glaze with a buttery finish clings to a golden, lightly crisp chicken exterior for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or game-day snack. Fun fact: honey and garlic have been paired in kitchens for centuries, partly because honey helps mellow garlic’s bite while adding a glossy finish that makes dishes look irresistible.

This recipe is special because it’s incredibly simple, fast to prepare, and totally family-friendly — kids love the sweet glaze and adults appreciate the kick from red pepper flakes. If you enjoy easy, saucy chicken dinners, you might also like this Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine for another quick weeknight option: https://recipesfiber.com/creamy-mozzarella-chicken-linguine-garlic-cajun-butter/. Read on and get ready to make a new favorite.

What is Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

What’s in a name? Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders says it all: tender chicken, sweet honey, rich butter, punchy garlic, and a touch of heat. Could it be the dish that proves “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Maybe — and it’s certainly the way to everyone’s stomach at the dinner table. Imagine dipping a crispy, juicy tender into a warm, sticky glaze and thinking, where have you been all my life? Try it, and you’ll understand why this playful mash-up of flavors got such a dramatic name. Go on — give it a whirl and see how fast it disappears.

Why You’ll Love This

Bold, balanced flavor: The star is the sticky honey-garlic glaze cut with red pepper flakes for just the right spicy-sweet contrast. The butter rounds out the sauce, giving it a silky mouthfeel that keeps each bite rich and satisfying.
Affordable and fast: Chicken tenders are budget-friendly and cook quickly. Making this at home saves money compared to takeout, and you control the heat level and ingredients.
Versatile toppers and sides: Add toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. Compared to other saucy dishes on the blog, like the Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots, this recipe gives you a full protein-centered main that pairs beautifully with many sides: https://recipesfiber.com/honey-garlic-butter-roasted-carrots/. Ready to try it? Your new go-to weeknight dinner awaits.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and satisfying. Seasoned chicken tenders are seared briefly to develop color, then tossed in a quick spicy honey butter garlic glaze that takes only minutes to thicken. Prep time is about 5–10 minutes, cook time about 10–12 minutes, so you’ll be at the table in roughly 20 minutes. Expect a contrast of textures — a lightly crisp exterior and tender, juicy interior with a glossy, sticky finish.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed if needed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, optional (for crispier crust)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature or cut into pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
Pinch of salt, to taste

Directions

Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and flour (if using). The flour gives them a crisp, golden crust, but it’s optional. Make sure each tender is evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer without crowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Make the Spicy Honey Garlic Glaze: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the honey, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce bubble gently for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken tenders to the pan, tossing them in the glaze until well coated. Use tongs to turn each piece so the sauce clings to every side. Let the tenders rest off the heat for another 1–2 minutes so the glaze sets without overcooking the chicken.
Serve: Serve warm with extra sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

What to Serve With

Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Steamed jasmine rice or garlic butter rice to soak up the sauce.
Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or carrots for color and texture.
Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple coleslaw for a classic pairing.
For drinks, try an ice-cold beer, sparkling water with lemon, or a fruity iced tea for a family-friendly finish.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use a room-temperature chicken: Let the tenders sit out for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed so pieces brown instead of steaming.
Adjust heat: Start with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and increase if you like it spicier.
Flour is optional: Use the 2 tablespoons of flour for a light crust. For gluten-free, omit the flour or use a gluten-free flour alternative.
Monitor the glaze: Honey can burn quickly. Keep the heat moderate and watch the sauce as it thickens.
Rest briefly: Let the glazed tenders rest off the heat so the sauce clings and cools slightly before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep the sauce with the chicken to preserve flavor.

Freezing: Place cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through; this helps the exterior regain some crispness. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the crust.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?
Yes. Thinly sliced chicken breasts or boneless skinless thighs work well. Adjust cooking time: breasts may need a bit longer, while thighs stay juicier and may take slightly longer to reach 165°F.

How can I make this less spicy for kids?
Reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon or omit them entirely. You can serve extra flakes on the side for adults.

Is it okay to use maple syrup instead of honey?
Maple syrup can be used for a different, woodsy sweetness, but honey gives the classic glossy texture and flavor that pairs best with garlic and butter.

Do I have to use flour on the chicken?
No. The flour is optional and only helps create a light crust. For a gluten-free version, skip the flour or use a gluten-free flour alternative or cornstarch.

How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
Pat the tenders dry before seasoning, use the optional flour, and ensure the pan is hot. Finish in a hot oven for a few minutes if needed to set the crust.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and cooked through, then toss with the glaze. Broil for a minute at the end to add extra color if desired.

Conclusion

This Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is an easy, fast, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd. The balance of sweet honey, savory butter and garlic, and a touch of heat creates an addictive glaze that elevates simple chicken tenders into something special. If you’re looking for similar inspiration, check out this quick take on Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders for another 20-minute twist: Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders (20 Minutes!) – Tiffy Cooks. For a richer, buttery comparison that plays with the same sweet-savory idea, see this Honey Butter Chicken recipe: Honey Butter Chicken (30-Minute Recipe!) – Rich And Delish. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and enjoy the compliments that follow.