Craving a dish that’s not only delicious but also aligns with your Paleo lifestyle? Look no further than these mouthwatering Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders! With a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up tender, juicy chicken that’s coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce, making it the ultimate weeknight meal. Ready to impress your taste buds and take your cooking skills to the next level? Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
- Season the chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, and coconut aminos. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, creating a smooth marinade.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the pan to become hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken tenders into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken tenders and pour the honey garlic mixture over them, allowing the sauce to caramelize and coat the meat.
- Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, turning the tenders occasionally to ensure even cooking and complete sauce coverage.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, drizzling any remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken tenders.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Perfection: Make sure to pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhances flavor absorption.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning the chicken well on both sides ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Control the Heat: Keep an eye on the skillet temperature. It should be hot enough to sear the chicken but not so hot that the oil smokes. Medium-high heat is ideal for cooking evenly.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken tenders in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming rather than searing, which affects texture.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your chicken is not only safe to eat but also perfectly cooked.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- Sauce It Up: Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover honey garlic sauce from the pan over the chicken before serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor that you won’t want to miss!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
