Description

Honey Garlic Chicken Tenderloins are a quick and flavorful skillet recipe featuring tender chicken coated in a savory blend of spices, cooked to crispy perfection, and finished with a delicious honey garlic glaze. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a simple meal prep option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

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)

Oils and Flavorings

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: Use a paper towel to grip the tendon on each chicken tenderloin and pull it straight out. To make this easier, press the tendon against the tines of a fork at the end of the chicken while pulling.
Season Chicken: Place the whole tenderloins in a shallow glass or non-plastic dish. Add half of the olive oil and all the dry seasonings. Toss to coat every piece evenly. Marinate for 15 minutes if time allows, or proceed to cook immediately.
Heat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Wait until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough.
Cook Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in the hot skillet. They should sizzle upon contact. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until both sides are crispy and golden brown.
Add Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic, honey, and chopped parsley to the pan carefully to avoid burning the garlic. Optionally, add half a tablespoon of butter for additional richness. Stir to coat the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

Removing tendons improves tenderness and eating experience.
Marinating the chicken for 15 minutes deepens flavor but is optional.
If you prefer, you can cut chicken into cubes before seasoning and cooking.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
Butter is optional but adds a richer flavor to the glaze.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Tenderloins, Skillet Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Quick Dinner, Honey Garlic Sauce