Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re after something that feels like comfort food but won’t knock you out an hour later, this is it. The spicy honey garlic glaze hits that sweet–heat balance perfectly, coating crispy chicken tenders without the need for deep frying. It’s bold, sticky, and ridiculously satisfying. To keep things light, we’ve paired it with a crisp, cooling salad with crunchy slaw and cucumber. The salad does more than sit on the side, it resets your palate and keeps the whole dish feeling fresh, not heavy. Great for weeknight dinners, post-gym protein hits, or impressing someone with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken tenders or breast strips

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• Salt + pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil 

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (adjust to heat level)

• 2 cups shredded lettuce or slaw mix

• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 carrot

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• Juice of ½ lime

Method:

1. Toss chicken tenders in cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

2. Pan-fry in olive oil (or air-fry at 200°C or 392°F for 12–14 minutes) until golden and cooked through.

3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Toss hot chicken in the glaze until sticky and glossy.

5. Combine salad ingredients in a bowl. Dress with lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

6. Plate chicken tenders with salad on the side. Sprinkle sesame seeds over everything. Add extra lime or chili if you like it punchy.

The Recipe’s Health Benefits: 

• Chicken tenders: High in lean protein for muscle repair and satiety, rich in B vitamins, especially niacin and B6, which support energy metabolism. Contain selenium, important for immune function and thyroid health

• Garlic: Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, contains allicin, which may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Supports gut health and microbial balance

• Ginger: Helps reduce inflammation and nausea, supports digestion and may help regulate blood sugar. Rich in antioxidants like gingerol.

• Honey: Natural source of quick energy, contains antimicrobial compounds. Offers trace antioxidants depending on type

• Lettuce/slaw mix: High in water content, great for hydration and digestion, contains fibre to support gut health. Provides folate, vitamin K, and small amounts of vitamin C

• Cucumber: Cooling and hydrating, contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory flavonoids. Supports skin health and digestion

• Carrot: Rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) for skin and eye health, adds fibre and natural sweetness. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits