Tender golden chicken glazed in a sweet and fiery garlic-honey sauce—this dish is quick, bold, and completely addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and heat

• Made in under 30 minutes

• Great as a main dish or appetizer

• Kid-friendly with heat levels you can adjust

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• 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 light coating)

For the Spicy Honey Garlic Butter Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• Pinch of salt

Directions

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving

1. Season the Chicken:
   In a bowl, toss chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and flour if using.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add seasoned chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Make the Glaze:
   Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
   Stir in honey, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Let bubble for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Glaze the Chicken:
   Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the glaze. Spoon extra glaze over the top. Let rest off heat for 1–2 minutes.

5. Serve:
   Plate warm with your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.

Serving Suggestions

• Over buttered rice with green beans

• With sweet potato fries or garlic mashed potatoes

• Slice and stuff in warm wraps or sandwiches

• Pair with ranch or blue cheese dip as an appetizer

Tips & Variations

• Extra Crispy: Dredge chicken in seasoned flour and pan-fry for added crunch

• Milder Heat: Use less red pepper flakes or omit entirely for kids

• Add Citrus: A splash of lemon juice in the glaze adds brightness

• Oven Option: Bake chicken tenders at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, then toss in glaze

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Yes—just slice them into strips before seasoning and cooking.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spicy with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste, or leave it out for a sweet garlic version.

Can I make this ahead?

The chicken is best fresh, but you can make the glaze in advance and reheat it before tossing with freshly cooked tenders.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of flavor and simplicity. Quick to make, wildly flavorful, and sure to please every kind of eater—from spice lovers to sweet-sauce fans. Keep this one in your weeknight rotation!