If you’re like me, constantly looking for simple yet delicious dinner recipes that fit into our busy weeknights, you’ll love what I have to share today. This Honey Soy Baked Chicken Tenders recipe is a game-changer. It’s a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to prepare.
This recipe uses everyday ingredients like chicken tenders, honey, and dark soy sauce. It is not only simple but also a family favorite. In my home, these chicken tenders disappear almost as soon as they hit the table. The kids love the sweet and sticky glaze, and I love that it only takes a few minutes of marinating and baking to create a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for the baked chicken tenders
Amazon Fresh, Golden Honey, 16 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)
Unpretentious Smoked Paprika (2 Cups), Ground Spice Made from Dried Red Chile Peppers, Strong & Smoked FlavorBest of Thailand Japanese Soy Sauce | Japanese Style Barrel Aged Lite Dark Soy Sauce | 2 Bottles of 23.65oz Real Authentic Asian-Brewed Marinade Sauce & Glaze for Sushi | No MSG 75% Less Sodium
Chicken Tenders (or Chicken Breasts) – Chicken tenders are the tenderloin part of the chicken breast. They are naturally tender and cook quickly. You can also use chicken breasts in thumb-sized strips to mimic tenders. They are the main protein component, providing the base for the marinade and absorbing the flavors beautifully.
Honey (or Syrup) – You can use syrup, such as maple or agave syrup, as an alternative. It adds sweetness and helps to create a caramelized, sticky coating on the chicken when baked.
Dark Soy Sauce – Dark soy sauce is a thicker, darker variety of soy sauce with a richer, slightly sweeter flavor than regular soy sauce. It provides depth of flavor, saltiness, and a rich, dark color to the marinade.
Olive Oil (or Cooking Oil) – You can use any other oil if you prefer. The oil helps to bind the marinade ingredients together and keeps the chicken moist during baking.
Paprika – Paprika is a spice made from dried red peppers. Depending on the variety, it can be sweet, hot, or smoked. It adds a mild, sweet flavor and a vibrant red color to the chicken.
Curry Powder – Curry powder is a blend of spices, typically including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek. It can vary in heat and flavor. It gives your dish a complex, aromatic flavor and a hint of heat to the marinade.
Salt and pepper to taste
Oven baked chicken tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts, cut into thumb-sized strips)
- 1/2 cup honey (or syrup)
- 1/3 cup dark soy sauce
- 3 tbsp cooking oil (preferably olive oil)
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine the honey (or syrup), dark soy sauce, olive oil, paprika, and curry powder in a large bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. You can marinate for longer, if you have the time.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly grease the foil or paper with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken tenders to taste.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and no longer pink in the center. If you like a crispy edge, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your honey soy-baked chicken tenders with your favorite side dishes!
Notes
Tips:
- Add some minced garlic or ginger to the marinade for extra flavor.
- For a complete meal, serve the chicken tenders with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade if you prefer a spicier version.
You can use chicken breasts instead of tenders by cutting them into thumb-sized strips to ensure even cooking and a similar texture (I do this a lot because I don’t always have chicken tenders). Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, though 1-2 hours in the refrigerator is ideal for deeper flavor penetration. For effective meal prep, marinade them the night before, and have the mixture ready whenever you are ready to make your dinner.
Serve the chicken tenders with sides like steamed or roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, a fresh garden salad, mashed or roasted potatoes, or coleslaw.
Add chili flakes, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or sriracha to the marinade to make the recipe spicier. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a flavorful kick.
You can also make this in batches. Remember that freezing marinated food will pause the marinating process and only resume when the food thaws again. This is a perfect dish for meal prepping! Feel free to pin and share.