Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Honestly, I can’t even begin to tell you how many times this Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe has saved dinner at my house. Between school runs, after-school activities, and just the general chaos of family life, finding meals that are both quick, easy, and genuinely loved by everyone can feel like searching for a unicorn. But then, enter these chicken tenders. From the first time I made them, they were an instant hit. My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, practically inhaled them. The sweet and savory honey garlic glaze is just irresistible, and the chicken is always tender and juicy. It’s become a regular feature in our weekly meal rotation, and truthfully, I’m just as happy to eat them as the kids are. If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, look no further. These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are about to become your new weeknight dinner hero.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these incredibly flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders. Keep it simple, keep it fresh, and you’re on your way to a delicious meal!

• Chicken Tenderloins: The star of the show! About 1.5 pounds, these are already perfectly sized for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Soy Sauce: The umami backbone of the glaze. Use low-sodium to control the salt level.
• Honey: Nature’s sweetener, adding that signature sweetness and stickiness to the glaze.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and soy sauce, adding brightness to the glaze.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, zesty note that complements the garlic and honey beautifully.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the glaze, giving it that perfect glossy, clingy texture.
• Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Vegetable Oil: For pan-frying the chicken tenders to golden perfection.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): For garnish, adding a visual appeal and a subtle nutty crunch.
• Green Onions (optional): For garnish, adding a fresh, mild oniony bite and a pop of color.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders that are bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step as it helps the chicken to brown nicely and prevents it from steaming in the pan. Excess moisture can hinder browning and result in less crispy tenders. Place the dried chicken tenders in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
2. Whisk Together the Glaze: In a separate medium bowl, prepare the incredibly flavorful honey garlic glaze. Combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Whisk all these ingredients together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the glaze is smooth and homogenous. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch remaining. This ensures a silky smooth glaze that coats the chicken evenly.
3. Marinate the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended): Pour about half of the honey garlic glaze over the chicken tenders in the bowl. Toss the chicken to ensure that each tenderloin is thoroughly coated in the glaze. While marinating is optional, it’s highly recommended as it allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in even more flavorful and tender chicken tenders. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or ideally for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute marinade will make a difference. Reserve the remaining glaze for later use – we’ll be using it to create that luscious, sticky coating.
4. Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil to the skillet, enough to lightly coat the bottom – about 2-3 tablespoons should suffice. Heat the oil until it is shimmering hot. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a tiny droplet of water into it; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough. Be careful not to overheat the oil to the point of smoking, as this can impart a burnt flavor to the chicken.
5. Cook the Chicken Tenders: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken tenders to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the chicken to steam rather than brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and browning. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
6. Add the Remaining Glaze: Once the chicken tenders are cooked through and nicely browned, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the remaining honey garlic glaze into the skillet with the chicken. Stir gently to coat all the chicken tenders evenly in the glaze. Let the glaze simmer and thicken for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes glossy and sticky and clings beautifully to the chicken. The cornstarch in the glaze will activate with the heat and thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate or platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These garnishes add visual appeal, a subtle nutty flavor, and a fresh, mild oniony bite. Serve immediately while they are hot and the glaze is still glossy and irresistible. These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional information per serving for these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Serving Size: Approximately 3-4 chicken tenders
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Protein: 30-35 grams

Preparation Time

From prep to plate, these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a breeze! Here’s a quick breakdown of the time involved:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (This includes patting the chicken dry, whisking together the glaze, and optional marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (This is the time it takes to pan-fry the chicken and reduce the glaze)
• Total Time: 30 minutes (A perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in half an hour!)

How to Serve

These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Classic Rice Bowl: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The glaze from the chicken will drizzle down and flavor the rice perfectly.
• Noodle Bowl Delight: Pair them with egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even stir-fried noodles. Add some steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Fresh Salad Addition: Slice the chicken tenders and add them to a vibrant green salad for a protein-packed lunch or light dinner. A sesame ginger dressing would complement the flavors beautifully.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the chicken tenders in crisp lettuce cups with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra glaze.
• Appetizer Platter: Cut the chicken tenders into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve them as a delicious appetizer at your next gathering. Provide toothpicks or small forks for easy serving.
• Kids’ Meal Favorite: Serve them with simple sides that kids love, like french fries, mashed potatoes, or steamed broccoli.
• Side Dish Extravaganza: Combine them with a variety of Asian-inspired side dishes like stir-fried vegetables, edamame, spring rolls, or kimchi for a flavorful and diverse meal.

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Want to take your Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders to the next level? Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure success every time:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in batches allows the chicken to brown properly and cook evenly. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and lead to steamed, not crispy, chicken.
2. Pat the Chicken Dry: As mentioned earlier, patting the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels before cooking is crucial. This removes excess moisture and helps the chicken brown beautifully in the hot oil.
3. Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: Customize the glaze to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a little more honey. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
4. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger provide the best flavor. Avoid using garlic powder or ginger powder if possible, as the fresh versions offer a much brighter and more aromatic taste.
5. Marinate for Deeper Flavor: While optional, marinating the chicken in the glaze for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in more flavorful and tender tenders. Longer marinating times (up to 30 minutes) will enhance the flavor even further.
6. Control the Heat: Maintain medium-high heat for frying the chicken to achieve a golden-brown crust quickly. Reduce the heat to medium-low when adding the glaze to prevent it from burning and to allow it to thicken gently.
7. Thicken the Glaze to Perfection: If you find the glaze is not thickening enough, you can whisk in a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) to the remaining glaze before adding it to the pan. However, usually, the cornstarch in the original recipe amount is sufficient.
8. Garnish for Extra Appeal: Don’t underestimate the power of garnish! Sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only add visual appeal but also contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a pop of color and a hint of spice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about making Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders? We’ve got answers! Here are some common questions and helpful tips to guide you through the recipe:

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins?
A: Yes, you can! If using chicken breasts, cut them into strips that are roughly the same size and thickness as tenderloins. Pound thicker parts to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that chicken breasts might require slightly longer cooking time than tenderloins.

Q2: Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of pan-frying them?
A: While pan-frying gives the best crispy exterior, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. You can then brush them with the reduced glaze after baking. They won’t be as crispy as pan-fried, but still delicious.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce. Double-check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

Q4: Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can whisk together the honey garlic glaze and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a good whisk before using it. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.

Q5: How do I store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders?
A: Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. The glaze might become a bit less crispy upon reheating, but they will still taste delicious.

Q6: Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders?
A: Freezing cooked chicken tenders is not recommended as the texture of the chicken and glaze may change upon thawing and reheating, becoming slightly less appealing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days.

Q7: What vegetables would pair well with these chicken tenders in a stir-fry?
A: Many vegetables work wonderfully in a stir-fry with Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders! Consider adding broccoli florets, bell peppers (various colors), snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, onions, and baby corn. These vegetables will complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dish beautifully.

Q8: Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh ginger?
A: While fresh ginger is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried ground ginger in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute for 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. Keep in mind that fresh ginger provides a brighter and more aromatic flavor.

Print