Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders are a classic comfort food that evoke nostalgia and satisfy cravings for crispy, tender, and flavorful bites. When you take this beloved dish and add the perfect balance of sweet honey and tart lemon, the result is nothing short of mouthwatering. Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders offer the ultimate fusion of savory crunch, bright citrus, and a sweet finish that is irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a game day snack, or a special occasion, these tenders are sure to impress with their crispy golden crust and tangy-sweet glaze.

While chicken tenders themselves have been a staple in American cuisine for generations, this particular combination of honey and lemon adds a layer of sophistication and creativity to the classic. The crispy coating of these tenders comes from a well-seasoned blend of flour and breadcrumbs, but the magic truly happens when they’re drizzled with the sweet and tangy honey-lemon sauce.

The dish isn’t just about flavors—it’s about texture, too. The tenders’ crunchy outer layer contrasts perfectly with the juicy, tender chicken inside. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or even in a salad, these tenders are the perfect balance of satisfying and refreshing.

This guide will take you step by step through preparing, cooking, and serving crispy honey lemon chicken tenders. You’ll learn about the key ingredients, some variations on the recipe, and troubleshooting tips to help you achieve perfect tenders every time. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is easy to follow and produces a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Time: 10 minutes

Before you begin cooking, it’s important to properly prepare your chicken tenders. The key to great crispy chicken tenders is ensuring they’re coated evenly and prepped for frying.

1. Trim and Dry the Chicken

   • If necessary, trim off any excess fat or tendons from the chicken tenders.

   • Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. Removing excess moisture is essential to getting a crispy coating.

2. Season the Chicken

   • Sprinkle the chicken tenders lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides. This is the first step in flavoring the chicken itself.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Station

Time: 5 minutes

This step sets up your coating process, ensuring the tenders have the crispy crunch you’re after.

1. Flour Mixture

   • In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

2. Egg Wash

   • In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs. If you prefer a lighter, egg-free option, consider using a flaxseed egg or unsweetened almond milk as a substitute.

3. Breadcrumb Mixture

   • In a third shallow bowl or plate, combine 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders

Time: 5–7 minutes

Dredging is the process of coating the chicken tenders in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This ensures the crispy, golden exterior.

1. Coat in Flour

   • Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat it completely on both sides, shaking off any excess flour.

2. Dip in Egg Wash

   • Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the egg wash. Let the excess egg drip off.

3. Coat in Breadcrumbs

   • After the egg wash, dredge the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.

4. Set Aside

   • Place the coated tenders on a clean plate or tray. Continue until all the chicken tenders are breaded.

Step 4: Heat the Oil for Frying

Time: 5 minutes

To achieve that perfect crispy crust, you need to heat the oil to the right temperature.

1. Heat Oil

   • In a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet, heat about 1 to 1 ½ cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and allow the chicken tenders to fry evenly.

2. Test Oil Temperature

   • Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature. You want the oil to be between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Time: 6–8 minutes

Now comes the part where your chicken tenders will start to look golden and crispy.

1. Fry the Chicken

   • Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, one at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy tenders.

   • Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

2. Drain Excess Oil

   • Once the chicken tenders are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Honey Lemon Glaze

Time: 5 minutes

The glaze is what gives these crispy tenders their sweet and tangy finishing touch. It’s quick to prepare and adds a refreshing zing to the dish.

1. Combine Honey, Lemon, and Garlic

   • In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup of honey, juice and zest of 1 lemon, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir to combine the ingredients.

2. Cook the Glaze

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the garlic softens. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

3. Optional Additions

   • If you want a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze. This will give the tenders a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken Tenders in the Glaze

Time: 2 minutes

Once the chicken tenders are fried and the glaze is ready, it’s time to combine them for maximum flavor.

1. Drizzle the Glaze Over the Chicken

   • Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl. Drizzle the hot honey-lemon glaze over the tenders and toss gently to coat them evenly.

2. Garnish (Optional)

   • If desired, garnish the chicken tenders with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon zest for added color and a touch of brightness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Time: 2 minutes

Now that your crispy honey lemon chicken tenders are complete, it’s time to plate and serve. These tenders are best enjoyed immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

1. Serve with Dipping Sauce

   • While the tenders are delicious on their own, you can also serve them with a dipping sauce. Try a ranch dressing, creamy sriracha sauce, or a simple garlic aioli for a tasty accompaniment.

2. Pairing Ideas

   • Serve the tenders with a side of crispy French fries, a fresh green salad, or even steamed rice for a complete meal. The sweet and tangy glaze also pairs wonderfully with a chilled lemonade or iced tea.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders

• Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the temperature of the oil and achieve that golden crispiness.

• Don’t skip the flour: It’s the base layer that helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, ensuring an even, crispy coating.

• Control the glaze consistency: If the glaze is too runny, simmer it for an extra minute to thicken it up. If it’s too thick, add a little water or extra lemon juice to loosen it.

• Rest the chicken after frying: Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a minute or two on paper towels to let any excess oil drain off and keep the coating crisp.