I Need a Recipe

Easy • Chicken

Oven-Baked Honey Lime Chicken Tenders

Crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and tangy honey-lime glaze, baked to perfection.

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Oven-Baked Honey Lime Chicken Tenders

Say goodbye to boring chicken and hello to these incredibly flavorful Oven-Baked Honey Lime Chicken Tenders! They're perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and coated in a irresistible sweet and tangy honey-lime glaze. This recipe is a family favorite for a reason: it's easy to make, healthy, and tastes absolutely amazing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or even a fun appetizer!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp water

For the Honey Lime Glaze

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place an oven-safe wire rack on top (this helps with crispiness).

  2. Step 2

    In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

  3. Step 3

    In another shallow dish, whisk the egg with 1 tbsp water.

  4. Step 4

    Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the panko mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides. Place coated tenders on the prepared wire rack.

  5. Step 5

    Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the tenders and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).

  6. Step 6

    While chicken bakes, prepare the Honey Lime Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

  7. Step 7

    Once chicken tenders are cooked, brush or toss them with the warm honey-lime glaze. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions and serve immediately.

Tips

  • Using a wire rack helps air circulate, making the tenders extra crispy without deep frying.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the glaze to suit your spice preference.
  • These tenders are great served with a side of rice, a simple salad, or even tucked into soft tortillas for tacos!

More recipes you'll love

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Weeknight•50 min
One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf

A deeply flavorful, comforting chicken and rice dish that cooks entirely in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.