Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Crispy honey garlic chicken tenders with a sticky, flavorful sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and butter. This quick chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or high-protein dishes, served over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders:

• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1½ lbs (650g) chicken tenderloins (mini chicken fillets in the UK)

Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   • In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
   • Dredge the chicken tenderloins in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. Cook the Chicken
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Cook chicken in 2 batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until a golden brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
   • Melt the remaining butter and cook the rest of the chicken in the same way.
3. Make the Sauce
   • Deglaze the skillet with ¼ cup water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce slightly.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in honey, soy sauce (or tamari), vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
   • Return the chicken to the pan, tossing or flipping to coat evenly in the sauce.
5. Serve
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot over jasmine rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These honey garlic chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated with a rich, sticky sauce. They’re quick to make, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or high-protein meals.

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Tips

• Pat chicken dry before dredging for a crispier crust.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce amounts to balance sweetness and saltiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken: Swap tenderloins for chicken breasts or thighs.
• Sauce: Add ginger for extra flavor or a splash of sesame oil for a nutty note.
• Spice Level: Increase crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Flour: Use almond flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative.

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FAQs

Can I bake instead of skillet-cook?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in the sauce.

Can I make this ahead?
Chicken can be cooked in advance and reheated in the sauce, but it’s best fresh for crispy texture.

What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
Perfect with rice, noodles, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve honey garlic chicken tenders over steamed jasmine rice or noodles, with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad. Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for presentation.