Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

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Sticky, sweet, garlicky, and irresistibly crisp — these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a weeknight dinner that still feels like a guilty pleasure. They’re tender inside, crispy outside, and smothered in a luscious honey garlic glaze that clings to every bite. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, a party platter, or a meal prep staple, they win over both kids and adults alike.

This recipe comes together quickly, with pantry staples and no deep frying required. Pair these golden beauties with rice, roasted veggies, or toss them in a salad for a high-protein, flavor-packed meal. The magic? It’s all in the balance of the sticky honey and sharp garlic, with just enough spice to wake up your taste buds.

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What Kind of Chicken Tenders Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips work best for this recipe. They cook quickly, stay juicy, and hold the glaze beautifully. If you’re after extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating it — it’ll be even more tender and flavorful.

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Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders
The star of the show — you want fresh, plump tenders or sliced chicken breast for the best texture and taste.

Cornstarch or Flour
Used to coat the tenders for a light crust that soaks in the sauce but still stays crispy.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic adds that bold, punchy depth to balance the sweetness of honey.

Honey
The sweetness that brings everything together. Honey caramelizes slightly for that sticky, glossy finish.

Soy Sauce
Adds savory umami flavor and balances out the sweetness of the honey perfectly.

Chili Flakes (Optional)
If you want a little heat to counter the sweetness, a pinch of red chili flakes does the trick.

Butter
Butter enriches the glaze, giving it that silky, restaurant-style finish.

Parsley or Green Onion (for garnish)
Optional, but adds color and a pop of fresh flavor.

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How To Make the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Pat dry your chicken tenders and coat them evenly with cornstarch or flour. This thin coating gives the tenders a crispy surface that catches the sauce later. Shake off any excess and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Tenders

Heat a skillet with a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, letting it cook until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the honey garlic glaze. Let it simmer for another minute so the sauce clings well. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion.

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How to Serve and Store Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Serve these chicken tenders hot, straight from the skillet, alongside steamed rice, roasted veggies, or even over noodles. They also work great as a protein boost for salads or tucked into wraps and sandwiches.

To store leftovers, allow the tenders to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to regain crispiness. You can freeze them as well, but for best texture, enjoy them fresh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep chicken tenders crispy after cooking?

Let them rest on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent sogginess, and avoid covering them with a lid which traps steam.

Can I bake or air fry instead of pan-frying?

Yes! For a healthier version, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is there a substitute for soy sauce?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos if you’re gluten-free or watching your sodium.

What’s the best way to reheat these?

The air fryer is ideal for bringing back the crispiness. Otherwise, a skillet over medium heat works well.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep and cook the chicken tenders in advance. Reheat and toss in freshly made glaze before serving.

Will this be too sweet for savory lovers?

Not at all — the garlic and soy sauce balance out the honey beautifully. You can reduce the honey slightly if desired.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders, you’ll probably enjoy these other savory favorites:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
• Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a spicy twist? Swap in maple syrup for honey? Or maybe added sesame seeds on top?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Drop your questions too — let’s make cooking even more fun and flavorful!

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