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Sweet & Crispy Apple Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders

Crispy apple and honey-glazed chicken tenders stacked on a plate with apple slices and honey drizzle.

These sweet and crispy apple and honey-glazed chicken tenders are the perfect balance of savory and caramelized goodness. Lightly breaded and baked (or air-fried) to perfection, then coated in a sticky apple-honey glaze, they make for an irresistible meal or snack. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or family gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for baking or frying)

For the Apple Honey Glaze:

  • 1 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apple, peeled and finely diced
  • ¼ cup pure honey
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If air-frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  2. In three separate bowls:
    • Place flour in the first bowl.
    • Whisk eggs in the second bowl.
    • Combine panko, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.

2. Bread and Bake

  1. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip into eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
  2. Arrange on the baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
    • For air frying: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping at the 5-minute mark.

3. Make the Apple Honey Glaze

  1. In a small saucepan, heat honey, apple cider vinegar, and diced apples over medium heat.
  2. Stir in Dijon mustard, minced garlic, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

4. Glaze and Serve

  1. Remove chicken from oven and brush generously with the apple-honey glaze.
  2. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the glaze caramelizes.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with dipping sauces or side dishes.

Notes

  • Crispier Option: Double coat the tenders by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Use almond flour and gluten-free panko.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze for a kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, honey-glazed chicken, apple glaze, sweet and savory chicken