Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. These juicy chicken tenderloins are lightly coated in seasoned flour, seared until golden, and coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is simple to prepare and pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with simple steps and minimal prep.

• Flavor-packed: The sweet honey garlic sauce balances perfectly with a touch of soy and vinegar.

• Crispy and juicy: Lightly coated and pan-seared for a golden crust and juicy center.

• Versatile serving options: Great with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad.

• Family favorite: Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing with universal flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• all-purpose flour

• salt

• ground black pepper

• chicken tenderloins (also known as mini chicken fillets)

For the Sauce:

• unsalted butter

• garlic, minced

• honey

• low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)

• apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper.

2. Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

4. Cook the chicken tenders in two batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove to a plate.

5. Add ¼ cup of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Let the liquid reduce slightly.

6. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

7. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

8. Return the chicken tenders to the skillet, coating them thoroughly in the sauce.

9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.

• Use thighs or breasts: Cut into strips if using chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.

• Add vegetables: Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a one-pan meal.

• Use maple syrup: Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it up during reheating.
Not recommended for freezing, as the coating may become soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, simply cut the chicken breasts into strips. Cook time may vary slightly depending on thickness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.

What can I serve with honey garlic chicken tenders?

These pair well with jasmine rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in the sauce afterward.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Shake off excess flour before pan-frying and avoid moving the chicken too much while it cooks.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water).

What kind of honey works best?

Any pure honey works, but a mild-flavored variety like clover or wildflower is ideal.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. Double the ingredients in the sauce if you like it extra saucy or want to drizzle over rice.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a fast, flavorful, and satisfying solution for weeknight dinners. With a crispy coating, juicy center, and sweet garlic sauce, this dish is a hit every time. It’s easy to prepare, versatile in how you serve it, and guaranteed to make it into your regular dinner rotation.

Print