Sticky Grilled Chicken Tenders with Honey Garlic Sauce

Introduction

Few dishes can rival the crowd-pleasing excellence of Sticky Grilled Chicken Tenders with Honey Garlic Sauce. These tender strips are infused with a sweet and savory glaze, caramelized perfectly over high heat for a mouthwatering finish. Whether you’re seeking an easy weeknight dinner or showcase-worthy barbecue fare, this recipe is guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why Make Sticky Grilled Chicken Tenders?

The combination of juicy chicken and a glossy, sticky honey garlic sauce is irresistible. Not only does this recipe come together in under 30 minutes, but the flavors linger with each bite—boldly sweet from honey, deeply savory from soy, with a punch of garlicky aroma. The grill adds a smoky char, elevating this dish, making it both simple and packed with flavor.

Essential Prep for Tender Chicken

To ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time, start by trimming your tenders evenly. Using a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 makes prep safe and efficient. For uniform bites and easy marinating, cut the tenders to similar sizes.

If you’re prepping vegetables as a side, a quality Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper saves time and delivers consistently chopped pieces for salads or skewers.

How to Achieve That Perfect Sticky Glaze

The signature glaze is a vibrant mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Simmer these ingredients in a nonstick pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless.

As the sauce cooks, it thickens to a syrupy consistency—ideal for brushing over the chicken while grilling. For precise temperature control and perfectly cooked chicken, check the internal temperature with a quick-read ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking.

Grilling and Glazing the Chicken

Toss chicken tenders with oil and a pinch of salt before placing them on the grill or an indoor grill pan. Turn the tenders occasionally, basting each time with the honey garlic glaze. As the sugars caramelize, they form that trademark sticky, glossy finish.

If using an air fryer, line the basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs Parchment Paper, 8IN Square for mess-free cooking and super-crispy results.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

These Sticky Grilled Chicken Tenders are fantastic with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or on a bed of fragrant rice. Pack up leftovers in an airtight container like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for quick lunches throughout the week.

Serve with extra glaze on the side for dipping and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for restaurant-worthy presentation.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 and provides approximately 220–260 calories per serving, mainly from lean protein and the honey-based sauce. It’s a delicious, lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Sticky Grilled Chicken Tenders with Honey Garlic Sauce (Recap)

Combining crave-worthy stickiness with juicy, grill-marked chicken, this dish is a guaranteed hit for weeknights and summer gatherings alike. Its bright, punchy flavors, minimal ingredients, and ultra-fast preparation make it a repeat-worthy favorite.

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Oil grates if necessary, or line your air fryer basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs Parchment Paper, 8IN Square for easy cleanup.
2. Pat chicken tenders dry and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan or SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
4. In a separate bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and season with red pepper flakes if using.
5. Place chicken tenders on grill. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, basting generously with the honey garlic sauce after each flip, until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking for accuracy).
6. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle with remaining glaze, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions, and serve immediately.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes