If you crave that perfect harmony between sweet, savory, and crispy, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Strips Recipe. Imagine golden, crunchy chicken strips enveloped in a luscious honey butter garlic glaze that clings with the right amount of sticky sweetness and a kick of garlicky goodness. It’s comfort food taken to a whole new level, making it an irresistible dish to whip up on a weeknight or impress guests at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, and the ingredients each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the simple flour and cornstarch that create the perfect crispy exterior to the rich butter and aromatic garlic that make the sauce sing, every component is essential.
- 500 g chicken tenders: Tender pieces that cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 120 g all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating, providing structure and crunch.
- 60 g cornstarch: Adds extra crispness to the chicken’s coating for that perfect crunch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the flour mixture.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the coating with savory garlicky notes even before frying.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the glue that helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken strips.
- 60 g butter: Provides richness and a velvety texture to the honey garlic sauce.
- 80 ml honey: Brings natural sweetness that balances the buttery garlic sauce perfectly.
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced: Gives an aromatic punch that elevates the sauce to crave-worthy status.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for deep-frying to achieve that irresistible golden crisp.
How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Strips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oil
Start by heating vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough for frying but not smoking — this ensures the chicken cooks through evenly and crisps up beautifully without burning.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This seasoned flour mixture is what creates the crispy, flavorful crust your chicken strips will wear proudly.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re smooth and fully combined. These eggs will act as a delicious sticky layer that helps the flour mixture adhere perfectly to each chicken tender.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender first into the whisked eggs, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered well for maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken Strips
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the coated chicken strips for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a rich golden-brown color and an irresistible crunch that makes each bite satisfying.
Step 6: Drain the Chicken
Once cooked, transfer your crispy chicken tenders onto a plate lined with paper towels. This step removes excess oil so the strips remain crunchy rather than greasy.
Step 7: Create the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
In a clean pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook just until fragrant — don’t rush this part, as the aroma is essential to unlocking the sauce’s magic.
Step 8: Add Honey and Stir
Pour in the honey and stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and glossy. This mix will coat your chicken with a rich, shiny layer that’s impossible to resist.
Step 9: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Gently toss the fried chicken strips in the honey butter garlic glaze, making sure each strip is evenly coated with that perfect sticky finish.
Step 10: Serve Immediately
Serve the chicken strips right away while they’re hot and crispy, so every bite delivers that heavenly contrast of crunchy exterior and luscious sauce.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Strips Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the chicken strips. A light dusting of sesame seeds adds an extra nutty crunch and visual appeal that elevates the entire experience.
Side Dishes
Serve your Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Strips with a zesty coleslaw, steamed veggies, or a fresh garden salad for balance. Crispy fries or fluffy mashed potatoes make fantastic hearty companions if you want to indulge.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skew the chicken strips and drizzle the sauce on top right before serving—perfect for appetizers or casual get-togethers. You can also turn them into sliders with soft buns, some crisp lettuce, and a dollop of extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the crispiness might soften a bit over time.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken strips by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month without losing too much texture or flavor.
Reheating
To recapture the crispiness, reheat your frozen or refrigerated chicken strips in a preheated oven or air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that golden crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breast into strips similar in size to tenders for even cooking and equally delicious results with this Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Strips Recipe.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch?
Cornstarch adds an extra layer of crispiness, making the coating lighter and crunchier. While you could omit it, your chicken strips won’t have quite the same satisfying crunch.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Baking is an option if you want a lighter version, but it won’t be quite as crispy. For best results, bake at a high temperature on a wire rack to allow air circulation around each strip.
Can I make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and gently rewarm it before tossing with the chicken. Just be careful not to overheat to prevent the garlic from burning.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as alternatives, providing similar sweetness and a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Strips Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and indulgence in the best way possible. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these chicken strips will become a fast favorite to make again and again. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish packed with irresistible flavors and textures you’ll love sharing.
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Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Strips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Strip recipe combines tender chicken tenders coated in a flavorful crispy batter, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce for an irresistible sweet and savory dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 500 g chicken tenders
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 60 g cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
Sauce
- 60 g butter
- 80 ml honey
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking, ensuring it reaches an ideal frying temperature for crispy chicken.
- Prepare Dry Mix: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly to create the flavorful coating for the chicken tenders.
- Whisk Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and uniform to help the flour mixture adhere to the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the eggs, then coat well in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks evenly.
- Fry Chicken: Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning while cooking through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Make Sauce: In a clean pan, melt butter over low heat, add minced garlic, and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Honey: Stir in honey and mix until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Gently toss the fried chicken strips in the warm honey butter garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is medium to prevent burning the coating while ensuring the chicken cooks through.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in egg and flour mixture if desired.
- Use fresh garlic for a better flavor impact in the sauce.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance sweetness and richness.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
