Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Enjoying a delicious meal at home does not have to be complicated. Today, we have a delightful recipe that will satisfy both kids and adults. This recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders combines the crispy goodness of fried chicken with the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to impress. Here’s how you can make them!
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons you should consider making Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders. First, this dish is easy to prepare. Even those who are not very experienced in cooking can manage this recipe without much trouble. Second, it is a versatile dish that can be served at any time of the day.
You can serve it as a main course for dinner, or it can be a tasty dish for a party or gathering. The flavors are delicious and appealing to both adults and children. Whether you are preparing a casual meal or looking to impress guests, these chicken tenders are a great choice. Plus, homemade chicken tenders are healthier than fast food options. You can control what goes into your food and make it as nutritious as you want!
Moreover, this recipe makes use of common ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce adds a wonderful glaze that brings the whole dish together. After trying this recipe, you may never want to buy takeout chicken tenders again!
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Making Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders is straightforward. You will need to follow some simple steps to create this flavorful dish. Below are the ingredients and detailed directions on how to create these delicious tenders.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup oil for frying
Directions
Pat Chicken Tenders Dry: Start by making sure your chicken tenders are dry. Use a paper towel to pat them lightly. Then, season the chicken with salt and black pepper. This helps to enhance their flavor.
Set Up a Dredging Station: Prepare three bowls for the dredging process. The first bowl should contain all-purpose flour, the second bowl should have the beaten eggs, and the third bowl should be for panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes it easy to coat the tenders.
Dredge the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully covered. Finally, press the chicken tender into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure it is well coated. This will give your chicken a nice crunchy exterior.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough so that when you add the chicken, it sizzles.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the dredged chicken tenders in the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan as it can lower the oil temperature too much.
Drain: Once cooked, use tongs to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb any excess oil.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Combine Honey and Soy Sauce: Stir in the honey and soy sauce into the garlic mixture. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Toss Chicken in Sauce: Finally, add your crispy chicken tenders into the warm honey garlic sauce. Toss them gently until each piece is well coated. Serve the chicken immediately for the best taste.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Serving Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders is simple. You can serve them warm right out of the pan, drizzled with extra sauce if desired. This dish pairs well with several sides. You might consider serving it with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
For a fun presentation, you can garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and color. If you are hosting a gathering, consider serving the chicken tenders as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating. Everyone will love dipping them into the honey garlic sauce!
How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
If you happen to have leftovers, storing Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders is easy. Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place the chicken tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which keeps them crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but this method may make them less crunchy. If the chicken tends to dry out, consider sprinkling a bit of water before microwaving.
Tips to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For maximum flavor, consider marinating the chicken tenders in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for a few hours before cooking.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will give you the best flavor. Avoid using garlic powder if you can help it.
- Watch Your Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough by dropping a bit of breadcrumb into the pan. If it bubbles, it’s ready!
- Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or using less, depending on your taste preferences.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, you can create variations of the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Sauce: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Baked Chicken Tenders: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated tenders on a baking sheet, and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Adding Vegetables: Mix in some bell peppers or snap peas when sautéing the garlic for added nutrition and color.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
2. What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders?
You can serve them with rice, a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even in a wrap. The possibilities are endless!
3. How can I make the chicken tenders gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Chicken Tenders, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Now you are ready to make your Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders! Enjoy the process and the delicious meal that follows. Happy cooking!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Crispy chicken tenders glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel and season with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in honey and soy sauce, simmering for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the fried chicken tenders to the sauce and toss until well coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, honey garlic, easy recipe, crispy chicken, family meal
