Spicy Honey Garlic Tenders

$To make Spicy Honey Garlic Tenders, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that mouth-watering taste. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor. The honey gives a sweet touch. It balances the heat from the red pepper flakes. Soy sauce provides umami, while rice vinegar adds a hint of tang. Garlic and ginger offer depth and warmth. The fresh green onions and sesame seeds at the end give a nice crunch. When you gather these items, you set the stage for a dish that truly shines. Don't skip any of them, as they work together to create a delicious experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the marinade. In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk it well until smooth. This mix brings the sweet and spicy flavors together. Next, add the chicken tenders to the bowl. Make sure they get fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a stronger taste. Before baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking, so your tenders come off easily. Once the oven is ready, take the marinated chicken out. Arrange the chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they sit in a single layer for even baking. After that, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top. This oil adds extra crispiness. Bake the tenders for about 15-20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. In the final 5 minutes of baking, it's time to glaze. Drizzle some of the leftover marinade over the tenders. This adds more flavor and creates a delicious glaze. Keep an eye on the time to avoid burning. When the tenders are done, take them out of the oven. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. For garnish, slice some green onions and sprinkle them on top. Add sesame seeds for a nice crunch. Serve these tenders with sides like steamed rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy the mix of sweet and spicy in each bite! To get the best flavor, adjust the spice levels in your marinade. If you want it hotter, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, reduce the amount. You can also try alternative sauces. For a tangy twist, use teriyaki or sriracha. These options can add depth to your dish. Cooking time is key for tender chicken. Bake your tenders for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and still juicy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Pair your spicy honey garlic tenders with side dishes like steamed rice or a fresh salad. These sides balance the heat and add freshness. For drinks, try sweet iced tea or a light beer. Both complement the flavors well and make your meal even better. Pro Tips Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you can plan ahead! Adjusting Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your personal preference. Start with less for a milder flavor and add more for extra heat. Achieving Crispiness: Drizzling a little olive oil over the chicken before baking helps achieve a crispy texture. You can also broil them for the last couple of minutes for added browning. Serving Suggestions: These tenders pair wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even in a wrap for a tasty lunch option. {{image_2}} If you want to make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari tastes just as good and keeps the flavor intact. Many people don't notice the difference. Always check labels to ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free too. You can swap the chicken tenders with tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up the marinade well. They add a delicious twist to the dish. If you prefer red meat, pork or beef works nicely too. Just adjust your cooking time for these proteins. Pork should reach 145°F, while beef can be medium-rare at 130°F. To brighten the dish, try adding citrus zest or juice. Lime or lemon adds a fresh kick. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cumin for deeper notes. Quick pickles are a great side too. They add crunch and balance the spicy sweetness. To keep your spicy honey garlic tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing. This helps avoid moisture build-up, which can make them soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to enjoy them later, just reheat them in the oven for the best taste. If you have leftovers, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take them out and thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This will help keep them crispy and tasty! You can make the tenders spicier by adding different peppers or hot sauce. For instance, try using jalapeños or serranos for fresh heat. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, like sriracha or Frank’s RedHot. If you like it really hot, increase the red pepper flakes in the marinade. Just remember to taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect level of spice that you enjoy. Yes, you can bake the tenders instead of frying. Baking is a great way to enjoy a healthier meal. When you bake, the chicken cooks evenly and you use less oil. This method also keeps the tenders juicy inside while making the outside crispy. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the tenders on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil on top for added crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they reach 165°F. Several sides pair nicely with spicy honey garlic tenders. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice: The mild flavor balances the spice. - Fresh vegetable salad: The crunch adds freshness. - Grilled veggies: They bring a smoky taste to your plate. - Sweet potato fries: Their sweetness complements the heat. Choose any of these sides for a complete meal that everyone will love! Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. The tenders store well in the fridge. After cooking, let the tenders cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. They can last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked tenders for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven or microwave for quick meals during the week. Enjoy your tasty meal prep! This blog post has covered how to make tasty, baked chicken tenders with honey. We talked about marinating, baking, and glazing them for full flavor. I shared tips to ensure tenderness and suggested serving options. You can even switch up the recipe with different proteins and flavors. Remember, cooking is about having fun and trying new things. Enjoy your chicken tenders any way you like!$

Spicy Honey Garlic Tenders

Deliciously marinated chicken tenders with a spicy honey garlic glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders
0.25 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.25 cup green onions, sliced
to taste sesame seeds

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for stronger flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange the marinated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F)
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, drizzle some of the remaining marinade over the tenders to add more sauce and create a glaze.
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a crunchy finish. Serve with your choice of side, like steamed rice or a fresh vegetable salad.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste for spiciness.

Keyword chicken, garlic, honey, spicy, tenders