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Honey Lime Chicken Tenders Flavorful Easy Recipe

by on March 19, 2025

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Are you ready to take your chicken tenders to the next level? My Honey Lime Chicken Tenders recipe is not only easy to make, but it packs a punch of flavor with just a few simple ingredients. This guide will walk you through each step, from marinating to baking, ensuring your chicken is juicy and delicious. Let’s dive in and transform ordinary chicken into a meal your family will love!

To make honey lime chicken tenders, gather these items: - 1.5 lbs chicken tenders - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Next, you need these for the marinade: - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed) - Zest of 1 lime - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika For a nice touch, consider these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish These ingredients create a sweet and tangy flavor. The honey adds sweetness, while the lime gives a zesty kick. The spices enhance the taste, making the chicken tender and juicy. Using panko breadcrumbs ensures a delightful crunch. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, gather your ingredients. You need honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice. Add the lime zest, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. This marinade will give your chicken a fresh and zesty flavor. Now, take your chicken tenders and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure all tenders are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours. This step is key for juicy and tasty chicken. After marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, add your breadcrumbs. Take each chicken tender out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Coat each tender in the breadcrumbs. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over them to help crisp up the coating. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the coating golden brown. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious honey lime chicken tenders! For the best flavor, marinate your chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. If you can, aim for four hours. The longer they soak, the more flavor they absorb. Use a resealable bag or a shallow dish. This makes it easy to coat the chicken well. Remember to turn the bag or stir the chicken occasionally. This ensures every piece gets that tasty honey lime mix. To get a nice, crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. After marinating, let the excess marinade drip off. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Coat each chicken tender fully in the breadcrumbs. Make sure no bare spots show. Drizzling olive oil on top before baking helps a lot. It promotes browning and crispiness. You’ll need a few basic tools for this recipe. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is key. This keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy. A medium bowl is great for mixing your marinade. Use a shallow bowl for the breadcrumbs. A whisk or fork helps combine the marinade well. Finally, a resealable bag is useful for marinating. These simple tools make the process smooth and fun. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken tenders for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and zest will give your dish a vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives. Always opt for fresh whenever possible. Try Different Breadcrumbs: Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs such as crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs for a unique twist on the texture and flavor of the coating. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Drizzling olive oil over the tenders before baking helps achieve a crispy texture. It also enhances the flavor and richness of the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your honey lime chicken tenders by adding new flavors. Try adding soy sauce for a savory kick. If you love heat, add some chili powder or red pepper flakes. For a sweet twist, mix in orange juice or mango puree. You can also swap lime juice for lemon juice for a different citrus flavor. Each of these additions will create a unique taste that you can enjoy. You don't have to bake your chicken tenders. Grilling them gives a nice smoky flavor. Preheat your grill and cook them for about 6-8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. If you have an air fryer, this is another great option. Set it to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Both methods will give you crispy and juicy chicken tenders. Pair your honey lime chicken tenders with various sauces for added flavor. A tangy barbecue sauce works well for a sweet and smoky taste. For a lighter option, try a yogurt-based dip with herbs. You can also serve them with ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo. Each sauce will change the meal and give you new tastes to explore. To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made them. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat them for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soggy. If you use the microwave, heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to save chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps them flavorful and safe to eat. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips. This makes them easier to cook and eat. The cooking time may change. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes. Always check if they are fully cooked. The inside should reach 165°F. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for up to 4 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all the honey and lime flavor. If you are short on time, even 30 minutes makes a difference. Some great sides are: - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal. - Fresh salad for some crunch. - Steamed broccoli or green beans for color. - Sweet potato fries for a tasty twist. These sides add balance to the meal and enhance the flavors of the chicken. Enjoy mixing and matching! We covered the key steps to make chicken tenders tasty and fun. First, we listed the main ingredients and some extras for flavor. Next, we walked through marinating, coating, and baking. I shared tips for crispiness and great tools to use. You learned how to add your twist with flavors and cooking methods. Lastly, we discussed storage options to keep chicken tenders fresh. Enjoy creating your own delicious chicken tenders, and don’t forget to share them with friends!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Deliciously Sweet and Tangy: The combination of honey and lime creates a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that elevates the chicken tenders to a whole new level.
  2. Quick and Easy Prep: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick meal prep option.
  3. Crispy Texture: Using panko breadcrumbs ensures that each tender comes out perfectly crunchy, offering a delightful contrast to the juicy chicken inside.
  4. Versatile Dish: These chicken tenders can be served as a main dish, in salads, or as a tasty appetizer for gatherings, making them a hit at any occasion.

Ingredients

List of Chicken Tenders Ingredients

To make honey lime chicken tenders, gather these items:

– 1.5 lbs chicken tenders

– 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients for Marinade

Next, you need these for the marinade:

– 1/4 cup honey

– 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)

– Zest of 1 lime

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional Garnishes and Serving Suggestions

For a nice touch, consider these garnishes:

– Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

These ingredients create a sweet and tangy flavor. The honey adds sweetness, while the lime gives a zesty kick. The spices enhance the taste, making the chicken tender and juicy. Using panko breadcrumbs ensures a delightful crunch. Enjoy your cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the Marinade

To make the marinade, gather your ingredients. You need honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice. Add the lime zest, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. This marinade will give your chicken a fresh and zesty flavor.

Marinating the Chicken Tenders

Now, take your chicken tenders and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure all tenders are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours. This step is key for juicy and tasty chicken.

Coating and Baking the Tenders

After marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, add your breadcrumbs. Take each chicken tender out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Coat each tender in the breadcrumbs. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over them to help crisp up the coating. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the coating golden brown. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious honey lime chicken tenders!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Marinating

For the best flavor, marinate your chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. If you can, aim for four hours. The longer they soak, the more flavor they absorb. Use a resealable bag or a shallow dish. This makes it easy to coat the chicken well. Remember to turn the bag or stir the chicken occasionally. This ensures every piece gets that tasty honey lime mix.

Ensuring a Crispy Coating

To get a nice, crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. After marinating, let the excess marinade drip off. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Coat each chicken tender fully in the breadcrumbs. Make sure no bare spots show. Drizzling olive oil on top before baking helps a lot. It promotes browning and crispiness.

Recommended Cooking Equipment

You’ll need a few basic tools for this recipe. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is key. This keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy. A medium bowl is great for mixing your marinade. Use a shallow bowl for the breadcrumbs. A whisk or fork helps combine the marinade well. Finally, a resealable bag is useful for marinating. These simple tools make the process smooth and fun.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken tenders for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and zest will give your dish a vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives. Always opt for fresh whenever possible.
  3. Try Different Breadcrumbs: Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs such as crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs for a unique twist on the texture and flavor of the coating.
  4. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Drizzling olive oil over the tenders before baking helps achieve a crispy texture. It also enhances the flavor and richness of the dish.

Variations

Adding Different Flavors to the Marinade

You can change the taste of your honey lime chicken tenders by adding new flavors. Try adding soy sauce for a savory kick. If you love heat, add some chili powder or red pepper flakes. For a sweet twist, mix in orange juice or mango puree. You can also swap lime juice for lemon juice for a different citrus flavor. Each of these additions will create a unique taste that you can enjoy.

Alternative Cooking Methods (Grilling, Air Frying)

You don’t have to bake your chicken tenders. Grilling them gives a nice smoky flavor. Preheat your grill and cook them for about 6-8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. If you have an air fryer, this is another great option. Set it to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Both methods will give you crispy and juicy chicken tenders.

Serving with Different Sauces

Pair your honey lime chicken tenders with various sauces for added flavor. A tangy barbecue sauce works well for a sweet and smoky taste. For a lighter option, try a yogurt-based dip with herbs. You can also serve them with ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo. Each sauce will change the meal and give you new tastes to explore.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Chicken Tenders

To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made them.

Reheating Tips for Optimal Flavor

When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheat them for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soggy. If you use the microwave, heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

Freezing Chicken Tenders for Future Use

If you want to save chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps them flavorful and safe to eat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips. This makes them easier to cook and eat. The cooking time may change. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes. Always check if they are fully cooked. The inside should reach 165°F.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for up to 4 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all the honey and lime flavor. If you are short on time, even 30 minutes makes a difference.

What side dishes pair well with honey lime chicken tenders?

Some great sides are:

– Rice or quinoa for a filling meal.

– Fresh salad for some crunch.

– Steamed broccoli or green beans for color.

– Sweet potato fries for a tasty twist.

These sides add balance to the meal and enhance the flavors of the chicken. Enjoy mixing and matching!

We covered the key steps to make chicken tenders tasty and fun. First, we listed the main ingredients and some extras for flavor. Next, we walked through marinating, coating, and baking. I shared tips for crispiness and great tools to use. You learned how to add your twist with flavors and cooking methods. Lastly, we discussed storage options to keep chicken tenders fresh. Enjoy creating your own delicious chicken tenders, and don’t forget to share them with friend

To make honey lime chicken tenders, gather these items: - 1.5 lbs chicken tenders - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Next, you need these for the marinade: - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed) - Zest of 1 lime - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika For a nice touch, consider these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish These ingredients create a sweet and tangy flavor. The honey adds sweetness, while the lime gives a zesty kick. The spices enhance the taste, making the chicken tender and juicy. Using panko breadcrumbs ensures a delightful crunch. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, gather your ingredients. You need honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice. Add the lime zest, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. This marinade will give your chicken a fresh and zesty flavor. Now, take your chicken tenders and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure all tenders are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours. This step is key for juicy and tasty chicken. After marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, add your breadcrumbs. Take each chicken tender out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Coat each tender in the breadcrumbs. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over them to help crisp up the coating. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the coating golden brown. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious honey lime chicken tenders! For the best flavor, marinate your chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. If you can, aim for four hours. The longer they soak, the more flavor they absorb. Use a resealable bag or a shallow dish. This makes it easy to coat the chicken well. Remember to turn the bag or stir the chicken occasionally. This ensures every piece gets that tasty honey lime mix. To get a nice, crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. After marinating, let the excess marinade drip off. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Coat each chicken tender fully in the breadcrumbs. Make sure no bare spots show. Drizzling olive oil on top before baking helps a lot. It promotes browning and crispiness. You’ll need a few basic tools for this recipe. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is key. This keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy. A medium bowl is great for mixing your marinade. Use a shallow bowl for the breadcrumbs. A whisk or fork helps combine the marinade well. Finally, a resealable bag is useful for marinating. These simple tools make the process smooth and fun. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken tenders for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and zest will give your dish a vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives. Always opt for fresh whenever possible. Try Different Breadcrumbs: Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs such as crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs for a unique twist on the texture and flavor of the coating. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Drizzling olive oil over the tenders before baking helps achieve a crispy texture. It also enhances the flavor and richness of the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your honey lime chicken tenders by adding new flavors. Try adding soy sauce for a savory kick. If you love heat, add some chili powder or red pepper flakes. For a sweet twist, mix in orange juice or mango puree. You can also swap lime juice for lemon juice for a different citrus flavor. Each of these additions will create a unique taste that you can enjoy. You don't have to bake your chicken tenders. Grilling them gives a nice smoky flavor. Preheat your grill and cook them for about 6-8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. If you have an air fryer, this is another great option. Set it to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Both methods will give you crispy and juicy chicken tenders. Pair your honey lime chicken tenders with various sauces for added flavor. A tangy barbecue sauce works well for a sweet and smoky taste. For a lighter option, try a yogurt-based dip with herbs. You can also serve them with ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo. Each sauce will change the meal and give you new tastes to explore. To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made them. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat them for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soggy. If you use the microwave, heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to save chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps them flavorful and safe to eat. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips. This makes them easier to cook and eat. The cooking time may change. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes. Always check if they are fully cooked. The inside should reach 165°F. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for up to 4 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all the honey and lime flavor. If you are short on time, even 30 minutes makes a difference. Some great sides are: - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal. - Fresh salad for some crunch. - Steamed broccoli or green beans for color. - Sweet potato fries for a tasty twist. These sides add balance to the meal and enhance the flavors of the chicken. Enjoy mixing and matching! We covered the key steps to make chicken tenders tasty and fun. First, we listed the main ingredients and some extras for flavor. Next, we walked through marinating, coating, and baking. I shared tips for crispiness and great tools to use. You learned how to add your twist with flavors and cooking methods. Lastly, we discussed storage options to keep chicken tenders fresh. Enjoy creating your own delicious chicken tenders, and don’t forget to share them with friends!

Honey Lime Chicken Tenders

Deliciously marinated chicken tenders baked to perfection with a honey-lime glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 zest lime
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
  • Place the chicken tenders in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
  • After marinating, remove the chicken tenders from the refrigerator. In a shallow bowl, add breadcrumbs and set aside.
  • Take each chicken tender out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumbs completely. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders to help them crisp up in the oven.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
Keyword baked, chicken, easy, honey lime, tenders

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