Sticky Chicken Tenders Recipe
I have to tell you about these sticky chicken tenders. The first time I made them, I wasn’t expecting much. I had some chicken in the fridge and a few random ingredients in my pantry, so I figured I’d throw something together. But from the very first bite, I was hooked.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken tenders
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Sesame seeds for that nutty crunch
- Sliced green onions for a burst of freshness
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes for a little heat 🌶️
Instructions
- Season your chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess. This step helps the chicken get that golden crust.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Place your chicken tenders into the hot skillet and cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, turn the heat to low.
- Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ground ginger to the pan. Whisk everything together until the sauce starts to bubble.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing each piece in the glaze until evenly coated.
- Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, letting the glaze thicken and stick to the chicken.
- Once done, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy that buttery, sweet, and savory goodness!
Notes
- Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken to sit in the honey-soy mixture for 20-30 minutes before cooking. It adds an extra depth of flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Glaze: Patience is key. Cook the glaze on low heat to avoid burning the honey. This allows it to thicken slowly without becoming bitter.
- Make It Spicier: If you like a kick, add extra sriracha or chili flakes. Lemon zest also adds a bright zing to cut through the sweetness.
- Low-Calorie Option: Swap honey with a sugar-free syrup and try baking the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.