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Mango Habanero Chicken Tenders

Recipe by Matt on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.

10 minutes to prep, 15 to cook. Juicy chicken tenders are pan‑seared and tossed in a sweet‑spicy mango habanero glaze, delivering a tropical heat that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Mango Habanero Chicken Tenders by Matt, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and cut them into uniform strips.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Chicken strips are similar in size and surface-dry. Uniform pieces cook at a similar pace.

  2. Season the chicken strips generously with the pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper.

  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

  4. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

  5. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes on the first side, until a golden‑brown crust forms.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: First side develops a golden crust. Leave space between pieces in the skillet.

  6. Flip the chicken and continue cooking another 5–6 minutes, ensuring the interior reaches 167°F (165°F).

  7. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the mango habanero sauce, using just enough to coat the chicken (to taste).

  8. Stir gently to evenly coat each piece, then let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Glaze turns glossy around the chicken. Stir gently as it simmers.

  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a tiny extra pinch of salt or more sauce for desired heat.

  10. Transfer the glazed chicken tenders to a serving platter and let them rest for 2 minutes to allow the glaze to set.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Glaze settles on the rested tenders. Let them sit briefly before plating.

  11. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips while you cook

Dry the chicken first
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Avoid overcrowding the pan
Add the seasoned strips in a single layer.
Lower heat before the glaze
Reduce the skillet heat to low before pouring in the mango habanero sauce.
Let the glaze set
Rest the glazed chicken for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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The recipe comes from Matt’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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Chicken tenders, 11 ways

Eleven creators posted their own. Most use chicken, garlic and all-purpose flour.

  1. recipeincaption35 min16 ingr.Only this one uses ketchup, worcestershire sauce and seasoning salt
  2. Hesti40 min15 ingr.Only this one uses cayenne pepper and brown sugar
  3. Matt25 min5 ingr.Only this one uses mango habanero sauce
  4. Jon García Abad30 min16 ingr.Only this one uses smoked paprika, panko breadcrumbs and lime
  5. janellerohner17 min10 ingr.Only this one uses granulated onion, basil and oregano
  6. iRick Wiggins17 min4 ingr.Only this one uses parmesan
Compare all 11 side by side

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