Sticky Grilled Chicken Tenders with Honey Garlic Sauce

Sticky Grilled Chicken Tenders with Honey Garlic Sauce are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized. Coated in a sweet and savory glaze, these tender strips of chicken are ideal for grilling season and make a satisfying main dish the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken tenders are simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. The marinade infuses the meat with savory depth, while the honey garlic glaze creates a sticky, glossy coating that clings to each bite. They cook quickly, are great for both indoor and outdoor grilling, and pair beautifully with a wide range of sides. This is a foolproof recipe for easy weeknight meals or weekend cookouts.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken tenders
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• Ground black pepper
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• Water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
• Fresh parsley or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Add the chicken tenders and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
Meanwhile, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
If a thicker glaze is desired, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry and stir into the simmering sauce until thickened.
Brush the grilled chicken tenders with the sticky sauce just before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours)
Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into strips instead of tenders.
Add grated ginger or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra flavor and heat.
Substitute maple syrup or brown sugar for honey for a different sweetness profile.
Try baking the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes if grilling isn’t an option.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying.
You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, covered loosely with a damp paper towel.
For freezing, cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bottled garlic instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled minced garlic works in a pinch, though fresh will give the best flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and even grill it a few hours before serving.

What if I don’t have a grill?

Use a grill pan or a regular skillet. You can also bake or broil the chicken in the oven.

Is the sauce spicy?

No, this sauce is sweet and savory. You can add heat by including chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I use chicken wings or drumsticks?

Yes, adjust the cooking time based on the cut and thickness of the chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the juices should run clear.

Can I make the sauce separately?

Yes, the sauce can be made on its own and used as a glaze, dip, or drizzle for other dishes.

Can I grill the chicken on skewers?

Absolutely. Skewering makes them even easier to handle and great for serving at gatherings.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, and it’s a good idea if you want extra for dipping or drizzling over rice or vegetables.

Conclusion

Sticky Grilled Chicken Tenders with Honey Garlic Sauce are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky. Quick to marinate and even quicker to grill, they’re an excellent choice for busy weeknights or outdoor meals. With their juicy texture and finger-licking glaze, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite.

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