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These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a sweet-savory twist on classic chicken tenders, baked until crispy and drenched in a sticky homemade glaze.
When busy weeknights call for something quick yet comforting, this easy recipe has you covered. Picture lean chicken strips coated in a honey garlic sauce that’s just sweet enough, with a garlicky punch that wakes up your taste buds. I first served this to my family on a chilly fall evening—my grandkids asked for seconds before dinner was even on the table. Even better? You only need a handful of pantry staples and a baking sheet. If you’ve been hunting for a tasty, homemade dish that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, these baked chicken tenders will be your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for hectic evenings
- No deep frying—just a simple bake with crispy edges
- Lean protein with a flavor boost—each tender packs about 15 g of protein
- Pantry-friendly ingredients—honey, garlic, soy sauce, and basics you likely already have
- Crowd-pleasing glaze—kids and adults alike rave about the sweet-and-garlicky combo
- Lightly customizable—tweak the spice level or swap in gluten-free soy sauce
- Minimal cleanup—one baking tray, one mixing bowl, and a whisk
- Great for meal prep—double the batch and enjoy leftovers all week
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- 1½ lb chicken tenders (about 12–14 pieces)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for higher smoke point)
- â…“ cup honey (wildflower or clover honey works beautifully)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1½ tsp garlic powder)
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (sub tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for a slightly thicker glaze)
- 1 Tbsp water (to dissolve cornstarch)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives (for color and a fresh pop)
Tips on ingredients:
– Pat chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to help the glaze stick.
– Sub in chicken breasts cut into strips if tenders aren’t available.
– For a bolder garlic hit, add an extra clove or swap in roasted garlic.
Directions for Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Drizzle olive oil over the paper—this helps the tenders develop a golden crust. - Season the Chicken
Lay the chicken tenders in a shallow dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly, then toss to coat. Honestly, even seasoning makes all the difference. - Whisk the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. In a separate cup, blend cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir into the honey mixture—this little trick ensures a silky glaze. - Bake the Tenders
Arrange the seasoned tenders in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, flipping once halfway, until edges are crisp and chicken is nearly cooked through. - Glaze Time
Remove the sheet from the oven. Brush each tender generously with the honey garlic glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 3–5 minutes—watching closely so the glaze bubbles but doesn’t burn. - Final Touches
Once done, transfer tenders to a plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley on top. The contrast in color is like a mini celebration right on your dinner table.
Servings & Timing
Makes: 4 servings (3–4 tenders per person)
Prep Time: 10 minutes (chopping, whisking, seasoning)
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes (including glaze steps)
Total Time: 28–30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Citrus Twist: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest for brightness.
- Herb Infusion: Mix 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary into the seasoning.
- Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace honey with an equal amount of erythritol and a splash of vanilla extract.
- Crunch Boost: After glazing, sprinkle panko crumbs and broil for 1–2 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Place cooled tenders in freezer-safe bags—freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: For crisp texture, reheat in a 350 °F oven or toaster oven for 5–7 minutes. Microwave on medium for 1–2 minutes if you’re in a hurry.
Make-Ahead: Prep the glaze and season chicken the night before; store separately and bake when ready.
Notes
I learned that resting the coated tenders for 5 minutes before baking helps the glaze cling better—trust me, no one likes a saucy mess at the bottom of the tray. If you want an even deeper flavor, marinate tenders in the glaze for 15–20 minutes (skip the cornstarch then). And if you prefer a shinier finish, give the pan a quick broil after glazing—just a minute or two under a high broiler, and you’ll see that glossy sheen everyone loves.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning. Extra moisture can make glazing slippery.
Q: How do I stop the garlic from burning?
A: Mince garlic finely and mix into the liquid glaze rather than on the raw chicken; this keeps it from crisping too fast.
Q: What if my glaze is too thin?
A: Stir in a touch more cornstarch slurry—add a pinch at a time until it coats your spoon.
Q: Can I grill these instead of baking?
A: Absolutely—grill on medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, then brush with glaze and heat until sticky.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Very much so—just skip red pepper flakes and use mild honey for a sweeter finish.
Q: How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
A: Lightly dust tenders with a starch (cornstarch or potato starch) before seasoning; it adds an extra crunch.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, just use two baking sheets and space tenders evenly. You may need an extra 2–3 minutes of baking time.
Q: What sides pair best with this dish?
A: Steamed broccoli, a crisp green salad, or fragrant jasmine rice all make lovely companions.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders bring a burst of sweet and garlicky flavors to any table—fast, fuss-free, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or gathering friends for a casual dinner, this recipe has a special homemade charm that never disappoints. Give it a go, and let me know how your family reacts—leave a comment or snap a photo and tag us on Instagram!
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken tenders (about 12–14 pieces)
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 0.33 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced (or 1.5 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (sub tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for a slightly thicker glaze)
- 1 Tbsp water (to dissolve cornstarch)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- fresh chopped parsley or chives (for color and a fresh pop)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Drizzle olive oil over the paper.
- Lay the chicken tenders in a shallow dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly, then toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Blend cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir into the honey mixture.
- Arrange the seasoned tenders on the prepared sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, flip halfway, then brush with the glaze and bake for another 3–5 minutes.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and parsley on top. Serve and enjoy!
