Hey there!
If you want something easy, juicy, a little sweet, and a little tangy—these Honey Lime Chicken Tenders are it. They’re cooked in a skillet and coated in a sticky, citrusy glaze that’s so good you’ll want to lick the plate. It’s the kind of dish that feels light but still packs a ton of flavor. Great for dinner, meal prep, or just when you’re in the mood for something a little different.
🍋 What You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I threw this together one night when I was low on groceries but had a few limes and some honey in the pantry. It turned out so good that I’ve made it again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but takes almost no effort.
- Sweet, tangy, and totally craveable
- Done in one skillet and under 30 minutes
- Works with chicken breasts or thighs too
- Great for meal prep or light dinners
- Fresh, simple ingredients you probably already have
🍽️ Servings + Time
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
📊 Macros (Per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 12g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The honey caramelizes slightly as it cooks, making a sticky glaze that clings to the chicken. Lime juice adds brightness and cuts the sweetness so the flavor stays balanced. Garlic builds depth, and a quick sear locks in all the juices for tender, flavorful bites.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Too much heat too fast: Honey can burn easily—keep the heat at medium.
- Skipping the zest: Lime juice gives tang, but the zest adds a punch of lime flavor.
- Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if needed for better browning.
- Overcooking the chicken: Tenders cook fast—don’t walk away.
🍴 What to Serve With
- Cilantro lime rice
- Grilled corn or roasted veggies
- Quinoa or couscous
- A fresh avocado salad
- Tortilla chips and guac on the side
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Zester or microplane
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for sauce
🔁 Substitutions + Variations
- Chicken: Use sliced chicken breasts or thighs
- Sweetener: Try maple syrup instead of honey
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Herbs: Swap cilantro with parsley or green onion
⏱ Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 6 hours
- Cooked chicken stores well for 3–4 days in the fridge
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the glaze
👨🍳 How to Make Honey Lime Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat dry 1½ lbs chicken tenders and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Make the Honey Lime Sauce
In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Turn heat to low. Pour the honey lime sauce into the pan and stir for 30 seconds, just until it starts to bubble. Add chicken back in and coat well. Cook 1–2 minutes until glazed.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and extra lime zest, if using. Serve hot.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave at low power
- Great sliced into wraps, rice bowls, or salads
❓ FAQ
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes—bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, then toss in warmed sauce.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Totally! Just brush with the glaze after cooking or during the last minute on the grill.
Is this spicy?
Nope, just sweet and tangy. Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want some heat.
What if I don’t have fresh limes?
Bottled juice works, but fresh juice and zest make a big difference in flavor.
🍯 That’s a Wrap!
These Honey Lime Chicken Tenders are quick, sticky, and packed with fresh flavor. They’re the kind of meal that feels special without being complicated. Try them with rice, veggies, or even tacos—you really can’t go wrong.
Let me know how they turned out and what you paired them with! 💬🍗🍈
Happy cooking!