Description
Indulge in these tender chicken strips coated in a luscious apple and honey glaze. This recipe perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Easy to prepare, and irresistibly delicious, it’s a dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs chicken tenders
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 cup apple cider
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Optional: Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
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Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
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Season the chicken tenders with salt and black pepper to your liking.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the seasoned chicken tenders to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
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Pour the glaze mixture into the skillet with the browned chicken.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook until the sauce thickens and reduces to a glaze (about 8-10 minutes). Make sure to flip the chicken regularly while cooking, for a better and more even coverage of the glaze.
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Continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and fully coated with the glaze.
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Remove from heat and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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Variations: For a different flavor profile, try using pear or peach juice instead of apple cider, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze.
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Tips: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to get a good sear. Don’t overcook the chicken tenders to prevent them from becoming dry. Adjust the simmering time of the glaze for your preferred consistency. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly.
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Intolerances/Allergies: For gluten-free diets, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free. If you are allergic to soy, use coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. If allergic to honey, substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar and monitor the taste accordingly.
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Taste Preferences: Adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice in the glaze to suit your sweet/sour preferences. The addition of salt may need to be adjusted. Use low sodium soy sauce for a lower sodium meal.
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- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: apple and honey-glazed chicken tenders, honey glazed chicken, apple chicken recipe, chicken tenders recipe, glazed chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, honey apple chicken, family meal, quick chicken dinner