Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece with these mouthwatering Honey Balsamic Chicken Tenders! Imagine tender, succulent chicken infused with a perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar, creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This simple yet sophisticated recipe proves that gourmet-level deliciousness is just 30 minutes away, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of chicken tenders, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture together until well blended to create your marinade.
- Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each tender is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- After marinating, remove the chicken tenders from the refrigerator. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded to allow even cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may want to flip them halfway through for even browning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain their juices.
- Serve the honey balsamic chicken tenders warm, drizzled with any remaining marinade from the baking sheet, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Marinating Magic: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for the full 2 hours if time permits. The longer it sits, the more deeply the marinade will penetrate the meat.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked tenders every time.
- Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper or a light coating of cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Even Cooking Trick: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
- Resting Matters: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its natural juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Bonus Serving Suggestion: Pair these tenders with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal that's sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
