Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Quick and easy honey garlic chicken tenders that are perfect for weeknight dinners, made in under 20 minutes with a kid-friendly taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces) Thin, uniform pieces cook fastest.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Or use neutral oil like avocado.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/4 cup honey Runny honey works best.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2-1 teaspoon spices of choice (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder) Optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer but not smoke.
- Add the chicken tenders in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Cooking
- Sear 3–4 minutes without moving them to get a golden crust. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add the minced garlic to the hot pan and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant — watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the honey over the chicken and toss gently to coat. The residual heat will melt the honey into a glossy glaze.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
Notes
These tenders are versatile; serve over steamed rice, in a salad, or on skewers with dipping sauce. Adjust spices and sweeteners to your preference. For storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2–3 months.