Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders: Your Ultimate 15-Minute Dinner Solution
In the quest for delicious, healthy, and incredibly fast weeknight meals, Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders stand out as a true culinary hero. This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about delivering a burst of vibrant flavor with minimal effort. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked chicken strips enveloped in a glistening, sticky glaze that balances the bright zest of lemon with the comforting sweetness of honey. It’s a symphony for your taste buds, designed to get a wholesome meal on your table in under 15 minutes.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who appreciates efficiency in the kitchen without sacrificing taste, these Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders are about to become a staple in your meal rotation. Forget complicated steps and lengthy cooking times. This recipe streamlines the process, focusing on simple ingredients and a straightforward method that promises juicy chicken every time. It’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy, creating a dish that both adults and kids will adore. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this irresistible, quick-fix chicken delight!
Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders – 15 Minute Dinner
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Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tbs butter
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 2 tbs minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
Honey Lemon Mixture:
- 3 tbs water
- 1 tbs cornstarch
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbs lemon juice
- 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly. Generously coat each chicken tenderloin in this seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s well covered.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the flour-coated chicken tenders to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Honey Lemon Mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Then, whisk in the honey, lemon juice, and low sodium soy sauce until all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a separate plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for another 30 seconds. Next, whisk in the prepared Honey Lemon Mixture. Once the sauce begins to simmer and thicken, return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce, allowing it to coat evenly and thicken further, which should take only 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders
This recipe isn’t just fast; it’s genuinely fantastic. Here’s why these Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders will quickly become a family favorite:
- Unbelievably Quick: From start to finish, you’re looking at just 15 minutes. It’s faster than takeout and much healthier!
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, zesty lemon, savory garlic, and a hint of soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that coats every tender piece of chicken.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now, making it a convenient go-to meal.
- Family-Friendly: The mild, balanced flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a hit with both adults and picky eaters.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from simple rice to a colorful medley of vegetables.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Made with fresh chicken and a homemade sauce, it’s a much healthier option than many pre-packaged meals.
Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve perfection every time:
- Even Coating is Key: Ensure each chicken tender is fully coated in the flour mixture. This creates a light, crispy exterior and helps the sauce adhere beautifully. Gently shake off any excess flour.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed rather than seared chicken, which won’t get that lovely golden crust.
- Monitor Cook Time: Chicken tenderloins cook very quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe, but avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
- Whisk Cornstarch Thoroughly: When making the honey lemon mixture, ensure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the water before adding other ingredients. This prevents lumps in your sauce.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that truly elevates the dish.
- Adjust Sweetness/Tanginess: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice to your personal preference. Love it sweeter? Add a touch more honey. Prefer more tang? Squeeze in extra lemon.
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
This versatile recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or the sauce.
- Different Proteins: This sauce works wonderfully with other proteins! Try it with shrimp, pork loin strips, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Simply swap the butter for an additional tablespoon of olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Herbs: Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro can be stirred in at the end for an extra layer of freshness and color.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: If you adore garlic, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon of minced garlic when sautéing.
What to Serve with Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders
These flavorful chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes:
- Rice: Classic white rice, brown rice, or fragrant jasmine rice are perfect for soaking up all that delicious honey lemon sauce.
- Quinoa: For a healthier, protein-packed option, serve alongside fluffy quinoa.
- Noodles: A light pasta like angel hair or even ramen noodles can be tossed directly into the sauce with the chicken for a full meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or snap peas make excellent companions. You can even steam them lightly and then toss them in the skillet with the chicken and sauce for the last minute of cooking.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers add another layer of flavor and texture.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders to enjoy them later:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Skillet: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water, just until warmed through. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the sauce from getting too thick.
- Microwave: You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot, though the chicken may lose some of its crispiness.
- Oven: For crispier results, place the chicken on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
With this Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders recipe, you have a complete guide to a quick, delicious, and adaptable meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the ease and incredible flavor!