Introduction

Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a hint of spice makes these tenders irresistible. They cook quickly and pair well with rice or a fresh salad.

The image shows six pieces of glazed chicken wings placed close together on a white plate. Each wing is covered in a shiny, reddish-brown sauce with small black specks that suggest seasoning. The sauce gives the wings a sticky and slightly oily texture. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly over the wings, adding a fresh touch and color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with no other objects in view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp chili powder
⅛ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp onion powder
3 garlic cloves (minced)
¼ cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce, low sodium)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp butter (or oil)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and onion powder. Season the chicken tenders evenly with this spice mix.
Step 2: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in coconut aminos (or soy sauce), red wine vinegar, and honey.
Step 4: Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Return the chicken tenders to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 6: Remove from heat and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For added heat, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Substitute chicken tenders with boneless chicken thighs for juicier results.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness.
Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to maintain the sauce’s flavor and texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of six chicken wings arranged closely on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. Each wing has a shiny, deep orange glaze with darker brown, crispy edges from grilling, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs for contrast. The texture looks slightly sticky and saucy with specks of black seasoning visible on the crispy skin. The wings fill most of the plate, and the lighting highlights their glossy, rich color and the fresh green garnish scattered on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breast cut into strips, but be careful not to overcook as it can dry out more quickly than tenders.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos?

If you don’t have coconut aminos, low sodium soy sauce or tamari make great alternatives with similar savory depth.

Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of tender chicken infused with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden finish with a hint of tangy red wine vinegar, they make a quick and flavorful meal ideal for busy weeknights.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Chicken
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1 lb chicken tenders
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp chili powder
⅛ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp onion powder

Sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup coconut aminos (or low sodium soy sauce)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp butter (or oil)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry and season them evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and onion powder to ensure each piece is well flavored.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken tenders and cook them until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, after removing the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Then stir in the coconut aminos, red wine vinegar, and honey. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet, tossing them in the honey garlic sauce to coat them evenly. Simmer together for another 1-2 minutes so the tenders get glazed with the sauce.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the tender, glazed chicken hot, perfect over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.

Notes

You can substitute coconut aminos with low sodium soy sauce for a more traditional flavor.
For a spicy kick, add a little cayenne or extra chili powder when seasoning.
Butter gives a rich flavor, but oil can be used for a dairy-free variation.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken tenders to keep them juicy and tender.
This recipe is great for meal prep and reheats well in the microwave or skillet.

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Quick Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Easy Weeknight Dinner