Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a tender, juicy texture, coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce. They are quick, easy to prepare, and made with simple pantry staples, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour I used gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins known as mini chicken fillets in the UK
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or any neutral cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce use a gluten-free tamari if preferred
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Optional garnish chopped fresh parsley or spring onions
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet, tossing them gently in the honey garlic sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to glaze the chicken beautifully.
- Transfer the chicken tenders to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced spring onions if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Shallow Bowl
- Plate
- Paper Towels
Notes
For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in flour before frying. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to prevent sticking and promote browning. Do not burn the garlic when making the sauce—cook it on low heat and watch carefully. Adjust sweetness and acidity by tweaking honey and vinegar to your taste. For a lighter version, bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add optional variations like red pepper flakes for heat, toasted sesame seeds, fresh herbs, or vegetables tossed in the sauce.