Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Not only are these chicken tenders crispy and delicious, but they are also easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through every step to ensure your chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time.
A Personal Story Behind My Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Journey
Growing up, my family often enjoyed homemade meals that brought us together. One of my fondest memories is of my mother making chicken tenders for us after a long day at school. The aroma of honey and garlic filled the kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before dinner. This recipe is inspired by those cherished moments, and I hope it brings the same joy to your home as it did to mine.
What Makes This Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the unique combination of flavors and the use of wholesome ingredients. The honey garlic sauce is not only simple to prepare but also adds a rich and sticky glaze to the chicken, making it irresistible. Plus, with the use of almond flour and arrowroot flour, this recipe is a great gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. The crispy coating combined with the sticky sauce creates a perfect balance that will have everyone asking for seconds!
The Full Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- **Sauce:**
- 1 tsp arrowroot flour or tapioca
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- **Chicken:**
- 1 1/2 lb chicken tenderloins or breasts
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 1/3 cup arrowroot flour or tapioca
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg + 2 tsp water, whisked
- Avocado oil or coconut oil, for frying
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the arrowroot flour and water until smooth. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, coconut aminos, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the arrowroot mixture, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1/2-inch strips. In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour, arrowroot flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, shake off excess, then coat in the dry mixture. Place in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crisp and golden brown. Clean the skillet between batches to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove chicken with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with honey garlic sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper in the sauce or chicken coating.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for added flavor and texture. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce made from your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins? Yes, chicken breasts can be easily cut into strips and used in this recipe.
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken coating in advance, then cook the chicken just before serving.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: 300
Servings: 4
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet For frying the chicken
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tsp arrowroot flour or tapioca
- 3 Tbsp water
- 0.5 cup raw honey
- 0.25 cup coconut aminos
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp ground ginger
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Chicken Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken tenderloins or breasts
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 0.33 cup arrowroot flour or tapioca
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp water
- Avocado oil or coconut oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the arrowroot flour and water until smooth. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, coconut aminos, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the arrowroot mixture, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
- If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1/2-inch strips. In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour, arrowroot flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, shake off excess, then coat in the dry mixture. Place in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crisp and golden brown. Clean the skillet between batches to avoid burning.
- Remove chicken with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with honey garlic sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper in the sauce or chicken coating.