These Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders are pure weeknight joy—ultra-crunchy on the outside, juicy within, and kissed with a sweet-savory Asian-inspired glaze that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. It’s everything you crave in a takeout favorite, but delightfully easy and oven-baked for a lighter, fresher spin!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Crunchy Without Deep Frying: Thanks to whole wheat panko and oven-baking, you get all the crispy satisfaction and none of the guilt (or oil splatters!).
- Irresistible Sweet-Savory Glaze: The sesame, soy, honey, and ginger bring bold, layered flavor with just the right amount of sticky goodness.
- Quick Marinate, Big Payoff: A simple marinade infuses every bite with deep flavor in as little as 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more delicious it gets!
- Crowd-Pleasing & Kid-Approved: Whether it’s game day snacks, family dinners, or potlucks—Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders always steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in these Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders plays its own delicious part: from the juicy chicken to the tangy marinade, the nutty toasted sesame oil, and the ultra-crunchy panko. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!
- Chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tenderloin is classic and stays juicy, but sliced chicken breasts work just as well for home-friendly strips.
- Milk or buttermilk: Adds moisture and mellows the marinade, ensuring the chicken comes out extra tender.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of the umami flavor and balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: Lends a lovely glaze and gentle sweetness to contrast the savoriness.
- Rice vinegar: Adds bright acidity to keep the flavors lively and fresh.
- Toasted sesame oil: This is your flavor weapon—just a little adds deep, nutty aromas that scream “Asian-inspired.”
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Mince them for a punchy, aromatic kick—fresh truly makes a difference here!
- Sriracha chili paste or sambal oelek: For a customizable heat level; use your favorite hot sauce or chili paste.
- Whole wheat panko bread crumbs: Responsible for the super-crunchy coating with a nice color and a bit more nutrition. Regular panko works too!
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps the panko brown and crisp in the oven—don’t skip it.
- Chopped green onions (optional): The perfect fresh finish when serving.
Variations
One of the joys of Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders is how easy it is to tweak them to your mood, fridge contents, or family preferences—here are some fun ways to make them your own!
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the panko for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs for the same amazing crunch—just check your soy sauce label, too!
- Go Spicy or Mild: Add extra sriracha or swap it out for a milder hot sauce, or omit it altogether if serving spice-averse kiddos.
- Try Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into strips work marvelously and stay extra juicy.
- Sesame Swap: Can’t do sesame? Sub in a neutral oil like avocado for toasting and finish with fresh cilantro instead of green onion.
How to Make Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken strips in a large zip-top bag nestled inside a dish (for stability). In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the milk (or buttermilk), soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic and ginger, and sriracha. Pour this flavor-packed marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and smoosh everything around so each strip is coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes on the counter, or pop it in the fridge for maximum flavor overnight.
Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Station
While your chicken soaks up all that goodness, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top—this trick helps the tenders crisp up evenly. Now, grab a wide, shallow dish (a 9×13 pan is perfect) and add your panko breadcrumbs. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and toss until the crumbs are lightly moistened and ready to stick.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
It’s assembly line time! Arrange your chicken (still in its marinade), the panko, and your baking sheet in a row. With one hand for “wet” and one hand for “dry,” shake excess marinade off each chicken strip and dip it in the panko. Press gently so you get a thorough, even coating—this is the secret to that incredible crunch. Lay each breaded strip on the prepared baking rack, leaving space between them for hot oven air to work its magic.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the chicken until the crust is golden and the juices run clear—usually 15 to 20 minutes, but check bigger pieces after 20 minutes to be sure they’re cooked through. You’re aiming for a safe internal temp of 165°F, and a crust that makes you want to sneak a bite straight from the pan!
Pro Tips for Making Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Marinade Magic: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor and more tender bites.
- Panko Perfection: Lightly toss your panko with olive oil until every crumb glistens—this ensures the coating gets beautifully crisp and golden, no frying required.
- Rack for Crispy All Over: Baking on a wire rack allows heat to circulate so every side crisps up—no soggy bottoms here!
- Check Your Chicken: Don’t guess! Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure your tenders hit that magic 165°F for the juiciest, safest results.
How to Serve Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Nothing beats a shower of sliced green onions and a final sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that extra pop of freshness and crunch. A light drizzle of sriracha or a tiny spoonful of extra honey can take things over the top, if you like a saucier finish.
Side Dishes
Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders are a natural match for sticky steamed rice, garlicky sautéed greens, or a cool, crunchy Asian-style slaw. They’re also delicious served with roasted broccoli, sweet potato fries, or even wrapped up in a lettuce cup for a low-carb twist!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, pile the tenders on a platter with ramekins of extra glaze or dipping sauce and fun little skewers. Turn them into a wrap with julienned veggies and sriracha mayo, or slice them up for a vibrant salad with mandarin oranges and crunchy wontons. However you serve them, they’ll disappear in a flash!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your cooled Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re fantastic straight from the fridge for a quick lunch or salad topper!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange baked and cooled chicken tenders on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or sealed container. They’ll keep their flavor and crunch for about 2 months—just be sure to freeze without garnish for best results.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat tenders in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, or on a wire rack in a 400°F oven for 6-8 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the crust may lose some of its fabulous crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into strips work beautifully for this recipe. They bring an even juicier texture and rich flavor—just keep an eye on baking time, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through completely.
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Can I make Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and bread them a few hours ahead, storing them on the rack in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. While they’re best fresh, leftovers reheat nicely as well.
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How can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Simply substitute gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs, and be sure to use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce in your marinade. You’ll get all the crunch and none of the gluten!
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What dipping sauces pair best with Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders?
The sweet-savory glaze pairs well with extra sriracha, simple honey mustard, or a quick yogurt dip with lime and garlic. For a different twist, try serving them with sweet chili sauce or creamy peanut sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
I hope these Sesame-Glazed Crispy Chicken Tenders become one of your new favorites—just as irresistible for family dinner as they are for game night or a party platter. Go on, give them a try, and watch as crispy, golden bites quickly disappear. Enjoy every delicious crunch!
Print
Crispy Asian Honey-Soy Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Crispy Asian Chicken Tenders are a flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders, featuring a crunchy panko coating with a hint of Asian-inspired spices. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 3/4-inch strips (about 16 strips total)
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili paste (sambal oelek), or hot sauce of choice
For Coating:
- 2 cups whole wheat panko bread crumbs (or regular panko)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Chopped green onions, optional for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken strips in a ziptop bag. Whisk together milk, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and hot sauce. Pour over chicken, seal the bag, and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top, coated with nonstick spray.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss panko with olive oil. Coat marinated chicken with breadcrumbs and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a crispy texture, reheat in a skillet or enjoy cold over a salad.
- Consider doubling the recipe for leftovers to use in salads or sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
