Irresistible Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Tender, juicy chicken gets a delightful honey garlic twist that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Golden-brown crispy honey garlic chicken tenders promise a flavor explosion in every single bite.

These irresistible morsels combine sweet and savory notes that sing on your plate.

Marinated and coated in a magical blend of ingredients, each tender delivers maximum crunch and incredible taste.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of honey sweetness and garlic bold punch.

Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily make at home.

Get ready to wow everyone at the dinner table with this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 629 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Here’s the new ingredient section:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light, airy base for the perfect golden crunch that locks in moisture and creates a delectable exterior.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavors and bring depth to every bite.
• Dried Thyme, Paprika: Aromatic herbs and spices that infuse warmth and subtle earthiness into the crispy coating.

• Eggs: Acts as a magical glue that helps the seasoned flour adhere perfectly to the chicken, creating a seamless crispy layer.

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, juicy strips that promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience with their delicate texture and lean profile.

• Garlic: Brings a punchy, aromatic kick that transforms the entire dish with its bold and irresistible essence.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers a umami-rich depth that balances and intensifies the overall flavor profile.
• Honey: Introduces a luscious sweetness that caramelizes beautifully and creates a glossy, irresistible finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice booster that adds a subtle heat for those craving an extra flavor kick.

• Canola Oil: Neutral oil perfect for achieving that golden, crispy exterior with even, consistent heat distribution.

Kitchen Kit for Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Large Skillet: Perfect for frying chicken tenders evenly with enough depth for oil.
• Small Skillet: Ideal for preparing the honey garlic sauce with precise heat control.
• Shallow Dishes (2): Essential for coating chicken with flour and egg mixtures.
• Paper Towels: Great for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
• Whisk: Quick tool to beat eggs thoroughly and blend ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs: Helps safely transfer and flip chicken tenders in hot oil.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for perfect seasoning.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing garlic and other preliminary tasks.
• Spatula or Brush: Helps evenly spread honey garlic sauce over chicken tenders.

Cooking Roadmap for Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty seasoning blend by combining dry ingredients that will make your chicken tenders pop with incredible taste. Mix spices thoroughly to ensure each tender gets maximum flavor coverage.

• Crispy Coating Technique

Develop a double-dip method to achieve an irresistibly crunchy exterior. First layer creates texture, second layer guarantees golden-brown perfection that’ll make mouths water.

• Oil Temperature Magic

Select the right pan and heat level to transform simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish. Watch for subtle oil shimmer that signals ideal cooking conditions.

• Sizzling Transformation

Gently place chicken tenders into hot oil, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden crust. Listen for that satisfying sizzle that promises delicious results.

• Sauce Sensation

Craft a sticky-sweet glaze that balances garlic’s bold punch with honey’s mellow sweetness. Let flavors meld together, creating a sauce that elevates simple chicken to something extraordinary.

• Final Touch

Generously coat crispy tenders with warm sauce, ensuring every bite delivers maximum flavor. Serve immediately while still crackling hot and glistening with delectable glaze.

Pro Tips & Twists for Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tender Cooking Secrets: Expert Tips & Twists
• Oil Temperature Mastery: Monitor your oil heat carefully. Use a cooking thermometer to keep it around 350°F for perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken without burning.
• Coating Crunch Booster: Press breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes into the flour coating for an extra crunchy exterior that stays crisp longer.
• Sauce Swap Adventure: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness, or try teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor profile that transforms the entire dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken tenders ahead of time and reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to maintain their crispy texture without losing moisture.
• Healthier Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken tenders on a wire rack at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Flavor-Packed Plate Companions: Serve these crispy chicken tenders alongside creamy coleslaw for a perfect balance of textures and a cool, refreshing contrast to the hot, sweet chicken.
• Hearty Side Kick: Pair with garlic roasted potato wedges or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Veggie Crunch Complement: Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed broccoli to bring freshness and nutritional balance to the dish, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken.
• Family-Style Feast: Set up a DIY dipping station with extra honey garlic sauce, ranch, and optional hot sauce, letting everyone customize their meal and enjoy interactive dining fun.

Make‑Ahead & Storage for Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated tenders stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Crispy Reheat Technique: Restore crunchiness by warming tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain original texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual chicken tenders in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen tenders maintain top quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Sauce Separation Solution: Keep honey garlic sauce separately from chicken tenders during storage. Pack sauce in a small sealed container to prevent chicken from becoming soggy. Add sauce just before serving for maximum flavor and crispiness.

Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

This mouthwatering honey garlic chicken tenders recipe blends sweet and savory flavors with crispy perfection. Glazed golden tenders deliver a satisfying crunch that draws diners into a delightful culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken tenders
• ¾ cup (255 g) honey
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Canola oil

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend flour with a harmonious mix of herbs and spices to craft a robust, flavor-packed coating for the chicken tenders.
2. Egg Dipping Station: Whisk eggs in a shallow vessel to create a smooth, adhesive layer that ensures the seasoned flour clings perfectly to the meat.
3. Coating Process: Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, then dip into whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off before re-coating with flour for an extra-crispy exterior.
4. Oil Heating: Warm canola oil in a large skillet until it reaches a shimmering, dynamic temperature that promises a golden, crunchy finish.
5. Frying Technique: Gently lower the double-coated tenders into the hot oil, allowing each side to develop a rich, amber-brown crust for 4-5 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
6. Draining and Resting: Transfer the fried tenders to a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and maintain their delectable crispiness.
7. Sauce Creation: In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then introduce soy sauce, honey, and optional red pepper flakes to develop a glossy, flavor-packed sauce that balances sweet, savory, and subtle heat.
8. Final Touch: Generously coat the crispy chicken tenders with the vibrant honey garlic sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for personalized dipping enjoyment.

Notes

• Prep Seasoned Flour Carefully: Blend herbs and spices thoroughly into flour for maximum flavor infusion and even coating distribution.
• Egg Wash Technique: Whisk eggs until smooth and uniform to create the perfect adhesive layer for crispy chicken tender breading.
• Double-Coating Strategy: Use two-step dredging process for extra crunchiness, ensuring each tender has thick, golden-brown exterior.
• Temperature Control Matters: Maintain consistent oil heat around 350-375°F to achieve perfectly crispy chicken without burning or undercooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 629
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 657 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg