Introduction
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making them a delicious and irresistible meal or appetizer. These tender, juicy chicken strips are coated in a flavorful honey garlic glaze that gives them a rich, mouthwatering taste. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party snack, or just a quick weeknight meal, these chicken tenders will be a hit with everyone. The sticky honey sauce, combined with the savory garlic flavor, creates an unforgettable dish that is both satisfying and comforting.
The History of Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Honey garlic chicken tenders have become a popular dish in many households due to their easy preparation and delightful flavors. The use of honey and garlic as a marinade or glaze has been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, but it has particularly become a favorite in American and Asian-inspired dishes. The trend of making crispy chicken tenders with a honey garlic glaze has been growing over the last few decades, influenced by the increasing popularity of sweet and savory flavor combinations in mainstream cuisine. Honey garlic chicken tenders reflect a mix of global influences, blending Eastern sweetness with Western comfort food.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the chicken tenders, the key ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips, which provide a juicy and tender texture. The honey glaze is made from honey, a natural sweetener that imparts a rich sweetness, and garlic, which adds a savory depth to the dish. Soy sauce provides saltiness and umami, balancing the sweetness of the honey. Olive oil is used to fry the chicken tenders to golden perfection, while additional ingredients like salt and pepper help to season the dish. You’ll also need flour and breadcrumbs for coating the chicken, creating a crispy and crunchy exterior.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into strips. Season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix flour and breadcrumbs together. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture until coated evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken tenders in batches, making sure they are golden and crispy on both sides. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and a splash of water to create the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Coat the Chicken with the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add the chicken tenders back into the skillet. Toss them in the honey garlic sauce until they are fully coated and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the honey garlic chicken tenders to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, or a simple salad.
Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
For the crispiest chicken tenders, make sure to coat the chicken strips evenly with the flour and breadcrumb mixture. Frying the chicken in hot oil ensures a golden, crunchy exterior. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce further before tossing the chicken in the glaze. Adjust the sweetness of the honey sauce by adding more or less honey, depending on your preference. For added depth of flavor, you can sprinkle in a bit of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Variations and Customizations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. For a spicier twist, add some sriracha or chili sauce to the honey garlic glaze for a sweet and spicy combo. If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, try baking the chicken tenders in the oven rather than frying them. For a different texture, swap the breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for a crunchy coating. You can also experiment with different types of honey, such as lavender or wildflower honey, to change the flavor profile of the sauce. For a more Asian-inspired version, you can add a bit of ginger to the sauce or top the chicken with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While honey garlic chicken tenders are delicious, it’s important to consider the nutritional content. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the honey offers a natural sweetener. However, the dish can be high in calories due to the frying process and the sugar content in honey. To make this dish lighter, consider baking the chicken tenders instead of frying them, or use a non-stick pan with minimal oil. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal. This recipe is also easily customizable to be dairy-free by swapping in dairy-free alternatives for any dairy-based ingredients.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe as they are more tender and juicy, providing a rich flavor.
- Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or skillet, then toss them in the honey garlic sauce just before serving.
- How do I make the sauce thicker? To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer until it reduces. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to help it thicken more quickly.
- Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, to make a healthier, less greasy version of this dish.
- Can I make the sauce spicier? Yes, if you like heat, you can add chili flakes, sriracha, or even a finely chopped jalapeño to the sauce for an extra kick.
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- ¼ cup 30g all-purpose flour (I used gluten-free)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds 650g chicken tenderloins (referred to as mini chicken fillets in the UK)
- For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari sauce for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook the chicken tenders in two batches, searing both sides until a golden brown crust forms (about 2-3 minutes per side). The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. Remove the cooked tenders onto a plate. Melt the remaining butter and cook the remaining chicken tenders.
- Deglaze the pan by adding about ¼ cup of water, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then, stir in the honey, soy sauce or tamari, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and begins to thicken. Return the chicken to the pan, flipping it to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve over jasmine rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.