Name: Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 egg, beaten; 1/2 cup flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tbsp soy sauce; Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

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Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer)

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer) is a delightful dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a luscious honey garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can brighten your day with its ease and vibrant flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, these chicken tenders are bound to impress your family and friends. The best part? This step-by-step guide makes it incredibly easy to whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders shines not only because of its delectable flavor but also because of its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that is both wholesome and scrumptious. It’s family-friendly, making it an ideal choice for picky eaters and those on busy schedules. Plus, the air fryer cuts down on cooking time while still providing that crispy texture we all crave. If you’re looking for an easy prep, minimal fuss, and maximum satisfaction, this recipe certainly delivers.

Ingredients for Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer)

To make these delicious Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders, you will need the following ingredients:

1 lb chicken tenders – juicy and tender chicken strips that will absorb the flavorful sauce.
Salt & pepper to taste – simple seasonings that elevate the dish.
1 egg, beaten – for a delightful binding that ensures the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
1/2 cup flour – providing a nice, crispy coating.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs – for that extra crunch that makes each bite irresistible.
1 tsp garlic powder – enhancing the overall flavor profile.
1 tbsp butter – for richness in the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced – fragrant and savory, perfect for the sauce.
1/3 cup honey – sweet and sticky, a must-have for the glaze.
2 tbsp soy sauce – adding depth and umami to the dish.
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat – a spicy kick to balance the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Directions for Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer)

Creating your Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders is simple and straightforward. To start, season your chicken tenders generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring they are adequately flavored. Next, set up your dredging station; first, coat the chicken in flour, then dip it in a beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy exterior.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to get that crispy texture we all love. Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring you do not overcrowd them for even cooking. Air fry the tenders for about 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even golden color.

While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. Then, stir in honey, soy sauce, and optional red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let this mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, creating a beautiful glaze for your chicken tenders.

Once the chicken is done cooking, you can either toss the crispy tenders in the warm honey garlic sauce to coat them fully or drizzle the sauce over the top for a more elegant presentation. Serve immediately and watch as everyone devours this sweet and savory delight!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking tips for perfect chicken tenders include using fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Additionally, for an even crisper texture, consider letting the breaded tenders rest for 10-15 minutes before air frying – this helps the coating stick better. If you want to play around with flavors, feel free to add additional spices to the breadcrumbs or experiment with different sauces like teriyaki for a unique twist. Lastly, keep an eye on the cook time; air fryers vary, and you might need to adjust the time based on your specific model.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are versatile and can pair well with various sides. For a classic meal, serve them alongside fluffy jasmine rice or crispy fried rice to complement the flavors. Fresh steamed or sautéed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, add vibrant color and nutrients making the meal more balanced. You can also present these tenders as an appetizer at parties with a side of dipping sauces like ranch or tangy BBQ for extra fun.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders offers a satisfying combination of protein and flavors. While exact nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients, you can expect moderate calories, making it an indulgent treat without overdoing it. Enjoy them guilt-free while savoring the sweet and savory goodness they bring to your table.

Storing Tips & Variations for Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you find yourself with leftovers (which may be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through, ensuring they remain crispy. For a healthier version, swap out the panko breadcrumbs for whole wheat versions or try almond flour for a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, these tenders can be made into a wrap with crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, and your choice of sauce for a delicious lunch option.

Conclusion for Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Now that you have the ultimate blueprint for Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders, it’s time to bring this delightful recipe to your kitchen. With its perfect combination of crispy and tender textures, paired with a flavorful honey garlic sauce, every bite is a moment to savor. Don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure today!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can cut chicken breasts into strips for a similar effect, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

3. Can I make these spicy?
Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture to spice things up!

4. How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy after cooking?
To keep them crispy, avoid covering them with foil or a lid; serving them immediately after cooking is best.

5. What are some good dipping sauces?
Pair these tenders with ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer)

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

Delicious chicken tenders coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a rich honey garlic sauce.

Instructions

Season the chicken tenders generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Set up your dredging station: coat chicken in flour, dip in beaten egg, and roll in panko breadcrumbs.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the coated chicken tenders in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd.
Air fry for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat and add minced garlic.
Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Stir in honey, soy sauce, and optional red pepper flakes, simmering until thickened.
Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce or drizzle over the top.
Serve immediately.