Apple Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders Sweet & Savory : A Simple Recipe You’ll Love

Looking for a meal that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor? These Apple Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders are just what you need! Picture tender chicken pieces coated in a golden glaze made with the perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy apple juice. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

In this post, I’ll walk you through each step of the process so you can make these irresistible chicken tenders. You’ll also get plenty of tips to customize the glaze to your liking. By the end of this post, you’ll know how to create this mouthwatering dish yourself. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special dinner, this recipe fits every occasion.

Why You’ll Love Apple Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders

• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, this dish comes together in 30 minutes or less.
• Sweet & Savory: The combination of apple and honey creates a unique glaze that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Kid-Approved: The slight sweetness of the glaze makes these chicken tenders a favorite with kids—and adults too!
• Versatile: These chicken tenders work as a quick weeknight dinner or even as a party snack.

What You Need to Make Apple Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders

Before you start, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this simple yet flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (around 8-10 pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup apple juice or cider
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra tang)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Apple Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders

This recipe is incredibly simple and easy to follow. Here’s how you can create these sweet and savory chicken tenders from scratch:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning and glaze stick better. Season both sides of the chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

While your chicken is cooking, it’s time to create the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the apple juice (or cider), honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a syrup-like consistency.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Once your glaze is ready and the chicken is cooked, pour the glaze over the chicken tenders in the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for another 2-3 minutes, turning the tenders occasionally so they’re evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is nicely glazed, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the pan over the top. Serve the chicken tenders hot, and watch your family enjoy the flavors!

Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your glaze a little sweeter, add more honey to taste. If you prefer a sharper, tangier glaze, increase the apple cider vinegar slightly.
• Don’t Skip the Glaze Simmering: Allowing the glaze to simmer will help it thicken, making it more flavorful and allowing it to stick to the chicken better.
• Try Different Apples: Different types of apple juice or cider will bring their own flavors. Experiment with tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Fuji for a unique twist.
• Pair with Sides: These chicken tenders would pair wonderfully with sides from my other recipes, such as Seared Ahi Tuna or a hearty Taco Soup Frios.

Apple Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders

These Apple and Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders are a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner option. The sweet glaze is made with apple juice, honey, and a hint of cinnamon—perfectly complementing tender, juicy chicken.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Small saucepan
• Meat thermometer (to check chicken)

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken tenders 8-10 pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup apple juice or cider
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Dry the chicken tenders and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
• In a small saucepan, combine apple juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and salt. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
• Pour the glaze over the chicken tenders and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken to coat it evenly.
• Serve the chicken tenders hot, drizzled with extra glaze. Enjoy!

Notes

• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender.

Keyword apple glaze, chicken tenders, easy dinner, honey glaze, quick chicken recipe

These Apple Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The glaze brings together the sweetness of honey and apples with a touch of savory goodness, making this dish a perfect family meal or a dish to impress guests.

Try this recipe and let me know how it goes! If you’re looking for more meal ideas, don’t forget to check out my other recipes like the San Antonio Chicken Marinade or Matjesbrotchen. Enjoy cooking!

If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends! Leave a comment below and tell me how your chicken tenders turned out. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more delicious recipes like this one!