Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these tenders offer the ultimate balance of crunch and flavor. Serve them with rice, salad, or fries for a delicious meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg whisked with 2 tablespoons water
- Oil for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the chicken tenders with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add buttermilk and mix well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in honey and soy sauce, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 3: Coat the Chicken for Crispiness
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each marinated chicken tender into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour mixture for extra crunch.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the tenders in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Step 4: Toss with Honey Garlic Sauce
- Place the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the tenders and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a healthier option, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Adjust the sauce sweetness by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
- To make it spicier, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture.