Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

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Golden, crispy, and coated in a sticky sweet glaze, these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are everything comfort food should be—juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them up as a weeknight dinner or a game day appetizer, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight. The combination of savory garlic, rich honey, and a kick of spice makes these tenders truly addictive.

What sets this dish apart is the beautiful contrast of textures and bold flavors. The chicken tenders are lightly breaded, then pan-fried or air-fried to golden perfection. Once cooked, they’re tossed in a luscious homemade honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, these tenders look as incredible as they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

• Perfectly crispy with a sticky, flavorful coating
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Quick enough for busy weeknights
• Great for meal prep or make-ahead lunches
• Easily customizable with your favorite spices or sauces

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls – for marinating and coating the tenders.
• Tongs – to handle chicken safely and easily.
• Non-stick skillet or air fryer – for cooking the tenders to a perfect golden crisp.
• Whisk – to combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Small saucepan – for simmering the honey garlic sauce.
• Thermometer (optional) – to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  Each tool plays a role in streamlining the cooking process, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly, and the sauce emulsifies to the right consistency.

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Preparation Tips

Start by patting your chicken tenders dry—this helps the breading stick better and results in a crispier exterior. If you have time, marinate the chicken in a bit of buttermilk or seasoned yogurt for extra tenderness. When making the honey garlic sauce, let it simmer just enough for it to thicken slightly without burning the honey. Don’t overcrowd your pan or air fryer basket; this ensures even cooking and maintains that beautiful crispy texture. And finally, toss the tenders in the sauce just before serving to keep them from becoming soggy.

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Ingredients for this Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Sesame seeds (optional)

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken tenders in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, or up to overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This combination ensures a crispy and flavorful coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing it on to fully coat. Set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Fry or Air Fry

Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350°F), add the chicken tenders in batches. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray both the basket and chicken with oil. Cook in batches for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Stir until bubbling. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Add the crispy chicken tenders to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them and gently toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with chopped herbs and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with dipping sauce, steamed rice, or veggies.

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Notes

These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile. You can adjust the sauce’s sweetness or heat to your taste—add more honey for a sweeter flavor, or increase the chili flakes for a spicier bite. If you’re short on time, skip the marinating step, though marinating does help with tenderness. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat gently before using.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the marinade: This may lead to dry or flavorless chicken.
• Overcrowding the pan or air fryer: This lowers the temperature and results in soggy breading.
• Not letting oil get hot enough: If frying, too-cool oil will soak into the breading.
• Burning the sauce: Honey burns quickly—simmer gently and stir frequently.
• Skipping cornstarch in the sauce: This keeps the glaze thick and sticky—don’t skip it!

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Storage Instructions

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crispy coating. For longer storage, freeze cooked tenders (without sauce) in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store up to 2 months and reheat from frozen in an oven or air fryer.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 11g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes! Bake them at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a wire rack for best crispiness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mildly spiced. Skip or adjust chili flakes to control the heat level.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Yes, cut boneless, skinless thighs into strips. They’ll be juicier but may take a bit longer to cook.

How do I make this ahead of time?

Bread the tenders and store in the fridge for a few hours. Cook and toss in sauce just before serving.

Is the sauce freezer-friendly?

Not ideal. The sauce texture may change when frozen. Better to freeze plain cooked tenders.

What sides go well with these tenders?

Steamed rice, roasted veggies, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes pair wonderfully.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan or air fryer.

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Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders bring the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy to your plate. They’re easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress guests. Whether fried or air-fried, they deliver irresistible flavor with every bite. With customizable spice levels and a sauce that clings perfectly to every crisp piece, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Don’t forget to serve with fresh herbs and maybe a dipping sauce on the side!

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