Are you ready for a flavor explosion? These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are nothing short of divine! With a perfect combination of crispy exterior and a sticky, sweet glaze, you will be captivated with each bite. This recipe is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating a dish that dazzles the senses. Perfectly suited for a simple family dinner, a casual gathering, or even as a show-stopping appetizer, these chicken tenders are sure to impress everyone at the table — young and old alike.
And the best part? This recipe is so simple, combining easily accessible ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re in a rush to whip up something delightful or looking for a flavor-packed dish for a special occasion, Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver on all fronts. They prove that comfort food can be both quick and luxurious. Get ready to enjoy golden, crunchy chicken coated in a delicious honey garlic glaze!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of honey and garlic creates a flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet, making these chicken tenders utterly addictive.
- Quick & Easy: With a preparation and cooking time of just 35 minutes, you can satisfy your cravings without spending all night in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These tenders make a fantastic weeknight meal, game day snack, or party appetizer, ensuring they suit any occasion perfectly.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the taste of these chicken tenders, making them a great option for a family dinner.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level according to your preference by modifying the honey or adding more chili flakes.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the delightful process of creating Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders, start by preparing your workspace. Here’s what you’ll need to have ready:
- Cutting Board: Use this to cut your chicken into even strips for consistent cooking.
- Bowls: Have two mixing bowls, one for the buttermilk marinade and another for your dredging mixture. A third bowl for beaten eggs will also be necessary.
- Frying Pan or Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for frying, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Cooking Thermometer: To attain the perfect frying temperature of 350°F (175°C), a thermometer can be extremely helpful.
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs: These will help you handle the chicken tenders safely while frying.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 0.5 cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Tenderize the Chicken
To kick off, pat the chicken tenders dry to remove moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that desired crispy texture when frying. Next, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 15–30 minutes to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station
While the chicken is soaking in the buttermilk, grab a clean bowl and mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. After mixing, set up your dredging station: first place the flour mixture, followed by the beaten eggs, and finally have a clean plate ready for the coated chicken.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Now comes the fun part: coating the chicken! Take each piece out of the buttermilk and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs for a light layer of moisture, and finally, return it to the flour mixture for a double coating. This process ensures a thicker, crunchier crust when fried.
Step 4: Frying the Chicken
In your preheated skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom generously. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 4–5 minutes until they are beautifully golden and fully cooked. Keep the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, ensuring each bite remains crisp.
Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
As the chicken cools, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, which will only take a minute or two. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors together.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce and Toss
For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Once ready, toss the crispy chicken tenders in the flavorful sauce ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Serve them hot and watch as everyone dives in!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out chicken tenders for shrimp or tofu for a different twist that still tastes delicious!
- Vegetables: Add slices of bell peppers or onion to the frying process for a veggie twist.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices: try cayenne pepper for heat or sesame oil for a richer flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Be patient while frying; resist the urge to overcrowd the skillet. Batch-frying allows the temperature to stay consistent.
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before placing the chicken in to avoid greasy tenders.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Serve alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- For added crunch, consider double-frying the chicken — fry them once to get a nice color, then allow to cool slightly and fry again.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheating in the oven can help keep them crispy.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15–30 minutes (for marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 500mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and frying.
How can I make these tenders spicier?
Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dab of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken tenders?
They pair great with rice, salads, or as part of a platter with various dips.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to toss with the chicken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe effortlessly combines simplicity, flavor, and versatility, making it a must-try dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick weeknight dinner or serving them at a weekend gathering, these tenders impress with their crispy texture and sweet, savory glaze. So gather your ingredients and give this delightful recipe a try — we promise you won’t be disappointed! We’d love to hear how yours turned out, so drop a comment below or share your version on social media. Happy cooking!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a perfect combination of crispy exterior and sticky, sweet glaze.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 0.5 cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- To kick off, pat the chicken tenders dry to remove moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that desired crispy texture when frying. Next, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 15–30 minutes to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.
- While the chicken is soaking in the buttermilk, grab a clean bowl and mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. After mixing, set up your dredging station: first place the flour mixture, followed by the beaten eggs, and finally have a clean plate ready for the coated chicken.
- Now comes the fun part: coating the chicken! Take each piece out of the buttermilk and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs for a light layer of moisture, and finally, return it to the flour mixture for a double coating. This process ensures a thicker, crunchier crust when fried.
- In your preheated skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom generously. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 4–5 minutes until they are beautifully golden and fully cooked. Keep the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, ensuring each bite remains crisp.
- As the chicken cools, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, which will only take a minute or two. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors together.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Once ready, toss the crispy chicken tenders in the flavorful sauce ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Finally, garnish your Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Serve them hot and watch as everyone dives in!
Notes
Pair with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheating in the oven can help keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 15–30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Protein: 25 g