Print

Chicken Tenders Recipe

4.5 from 185 reviews

This Garlic Chicken recipe features tender chicken tenders coated in a flavorful honey garlic butter mixture, seasoned with paprika and spices, then breaded and air fried to crispy perfection. A quick and delicious option for an easy weeknight dinner without the guilt of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Coating

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Mixture: In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade that will coat the chicken evenly.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss well to ensure each piece is fully coated with the honey garlic mixture for maximum flavor infusion.
  3. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Spread the breadcrumbs evenly on a separate plate to create a surface for dredging the chicken tenders, which will add crunch after cooking.
  4. Dredge the Chicken: Take each coated chicken tender and thoroughly dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating covering all sides.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
  6. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlaps. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even golden-brown crust and tender cooked-through chicken.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and enhance the flavor.

Notes

  • You can use either panko or regular breadcrumbs depending on your preference for texture; panko gives a lighter, crispier crust.
  • Ensure the chicken tenders are spaced out in the air fryer basket so the hot air circulates properly, creating a crisp coating.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted for baking in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • For added flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
  • Use unsalted butter to control the salt level, especially if adjusting seasoning to taste.

Keywords: Garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken, air fryer chicken, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, honey butter chicken