Honey Garlic Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
This Honey Garlic Chicken Tenderloins recipe features tender, flavorful chicken pieces pan-seared to a crispy golden brown and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this dish combines a blend of spices and fresh garlic with a touch of honey and parsley, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy stovetop recipe ideal for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (about 8 tenders)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Cooking and Glaze
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Remove Tendons: Using a paper towel to grip, pull the tendons straight out from each chicken tenderloin. For easier removal, press a fork against the end of the chicken and pull the tendon between the tines.
- Season the Chicken: Place the whole chicken tenderloins in a shallow glass or non-plastic dish. Add half of the olive oil and then sprinkle all the seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using). Mix well to coat all sides of the chicken evenly. For best flavor, marinate for 15 minutes or proceed to cooking immediately.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining olive oil, just enough to coat the pan bottom. Wait for the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place each piece of chicken in the pan. You should hear a sizzle; if not, the oil isn’t hot enough. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown on both sides.
- Add Honey Garlic Glaze: Reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic, honey, and chopped parsley to the pan, carefully stirring to coat the chicken without burning the garlic. Optionally, add half a tablespoon of butter for enhanced richness. Continue to cook for 2 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked and juicy.
Notes
- Remove tendons carefully to improve texture.
- Marinating the chicken for 15 minutes improves flavor but is optional for a quicker meal.
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best aroma and taste.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level.
- Butter adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken Tenderloins, Crispy Chicken, Pan-Fried Chicken, Quick Chicken Dinner, Honey Garlic Sauce
