Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders with Creamy Pan Sauce

• 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Steps

1. 1 In a bowl, mix chicken tenders with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. 2 In another bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. 3 Dredge each tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. 4 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook tenders until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side.
5. 5 Remove tenders and set aside. In the same skillet, add chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
6. 6 Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry until sauce thickens.
7. 7 Return chicken to skillet, coating with sauce. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Equipment

• skillet
• tongs
• whisk

Variations

• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the breadcrumbs.
• Substitute chicken tenders with tofu for a vegetarian option.

Substitutions

• If you don’t have panko, use regular breadcrumbs.
• Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free sauce.

Pairings

• Jasmine rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Sesame snap peas

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra crispiness, refrigerate breaded tenders for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to control the spice level.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain sauce consistency.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed jasmine rice and a side of sesame snap peas.
• Pair with a crisp lager or a glass of riesling for a refreshing contrast.

FAQ