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Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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This Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe features tender, crispy chicken coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. You can prepare it using either a stovetop skillet or an air fryer for a healthier option. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines a sweet and savory glaze with perfectly cooked chicken tenders garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Chicken Coating

  • ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 pounds (907g) chicken tenders

Cooking Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for stovetop method)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Neutral oil spray (for air fryer method)

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ cup (48ml) chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup (113ml) honey
  • ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce

Optional Garnish

  • Freshly chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl or plate, whisk together the cornstarch, onion powder, and salt until combined evenly.
  2. Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch and set aside.
  3. Stovetop Cooking (Option 1): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken tenders in two batches, cooking for about 6 to 8 minutes total, flipping halfway through to brown both sides. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  4. Make Sauce on Stovetop: In the same pan, add sesame oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, honey, and soy sauce. Stir and cook for approximately 8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken tenders to the pan and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Heat through for a minute, then remove from heat.
  6. Air Fryer Cooking (Option 2): Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a neutral oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer without overlapping; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Cook Chicken in Air Fryer: Air fry tenders for 9 to 11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Confirm doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C).
  8. Prepare Sauce on Stovetop for Air Fryer Method: While the chicken cooks, heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and add garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, honey, and soy sauce, then cook for about 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Toss Chicken in Sauce (Air Fryer): Once chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  10. Serve and Garnish: Plate the honey garlic chicken tenders and garnish with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • The air fryer method is a healthier alternative with less oil but results in equally crispy tenders.
  • You can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breast strips if preferred.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer on the stovetop but avoid burning the honey.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/honey-garlic-chicken-tenders-recipe/