Garlic Chilli Chicken Tenders

Garlic Chilli Chicken Tenders are a great healthy alternative to fried chicken tenders. Not only are they healthier, but they make for an easy, quick dinner and all you need is one large skillet or frying pan. The chicken tenders cook up quickly and can be served in under 10 minutes. And since we are using only one pan, the clean-up is minimal. 

Another great option for these skillet-fried chicken tenders is meal prep. Like my air fryer BBQ chicken breast recipe, they hold up well when stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These chicken tenders also reheat nicely in the microwave in just about 1 minute. However, if chicken tenders aren’t your thing and you still want to meal prep, try out this Healthy Egg Roll in a bowl.

Check out my Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe for more dinner inspiration.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The easiest way to season the chicken is to rub it all together in a bowl to make sure both sides are coated. Then put them in the skillet. However, if you want to season them in the pan, season one side while cooking the underneath, then flip the chicken and season the top. However, your chicken will have more flavor if you season it in the bowl ahead of time. 

Ingredients

See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts. 

• Chicken tenders: for this recipe, I am using Springer Mountain Farms chicken tenders. I like to use chicken tenders when cooking in a skillet because they cook rather quickly. If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can slice chicken breast very thin or chicken thighs to achieve the same results. 
• Baking powder: Baking powder helps to keep the seasonings on to the chicken. 
• Seasonings: for this recipe, we are using salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. 
• Tamari sauce: tamari sauce has a classic Asian flavor. For this sauce, we are using tamari sauce. However, if you are looking to cut sodium, you can certainly use coconut amino.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil also lens a deep, authentic Asian flavor to this dish.
• Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar is commonly used in Asian-inspired dishes. 
• Minced garlic: OliveNation Roasted garlic powder offers a large variety of quality spices.
• Corn starch slurry: A cornstarch slurry is a mixture of cold water and cornstarch. This is typically used to thicken a sauce.
• Brown coconut sugar: brown coconut sugar is a healthier option, although you can use regular brown sugar if you would like. 
• Lime juice 

How to Make Garlic Chilli Chicken Tenders

• Begin by slicing the clean chicken tenders in half-long ways. Place into a large bowl. Coat the chicken with the dry seasonings. Then, add all sauce ingredients to a large measuring cup, stir well, and set aside. 
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium-high. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook chicken for 3 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside. Lower heat to medium, then pour in the sauce. Bring to a boil, combine the water and cornstarch, stairwell to form a slurry, and pour into the sauce. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stairwell until the sauce has thickened.
• Place the chicken back into the sauce and allow this to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes on low before serving.

Expert Tips

Always check the temperature of your chicken before removing it from the pan. The chicken will be done once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 ℉.

Garlic Chilli Chicken Tenders FAQ's

What if I don’t like sweet chili sauce? 

If you don’t like an Asian-inspired sweet chili sauce, you can serve these chicken tenders as is without the sauce. 

Any substitutes for this sauce? 

Buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce is a great alternative to this sweet chili sauce. 

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this chicken tender recipe is 100% dairy-free.

Can I use soy sauce instead of tamari sauce?

Yes, you can use soy sauce instead of tamari sauce if you do not have a gluten allergy. Or you can use gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I use coconut amino instead of tamari sauce?

Yes, you can use coconut amino’s. Coconut amino’s are another healthy option for this easy recipe.

Can I put these chicken tenders in the air fryer instead?

Yes, you can put these chicken tenders in the air fryer.

To air fry: 375 ℉ for 2-4 mins per side depending on the size of the chicken. 

Storage

Once the chicken is done, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply heat the chicken in the microwave for one minute when you are ready to serve.

Other Chicken Recipes

• Chicken, Carott and Celery Soup
• Air Fryer Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan
• Gluten-Free Mushroom Soup with Smothered Chicken
• Gluten Free Mushroom Soup with Smothered Chicken
• Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Grilled Chicken
• Gluten Free Meatballs With Chicken
• Teriyaki Chicken Donburi with Quinoa

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