Savory Chicken Tenders with Balsamic Glaze
Indulge in the delectable flavors of Savory Chicken Tenders with Balsamic Glaze! This dish combines juicy chicken tenders, perfectly seared and tossed in a rich blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic. The result is a mouthwatering glaze that elevates simple chicken into a gourmet experience. Ideal for a cozy dinner or impressing your guests, this recipe is both easy to prepare and delightful to share. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or your favorite grains for a complete meal.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Chicken tenders
12 ounces (cleaned and trimmed)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh)
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Honey
1 tablespoon (none)
Low sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Season the chicken tenders with freshly ground black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3
Reduce the heat to low-medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
4
Stir in the balsamic vinegar, honey, and low sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as this will add incredible flavor.
5
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 minute, letting it thicken slightly.
6
Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet, coating them in the balsamic glaze. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well glazed.
7
Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining glaze over the chicken and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken Tenders with Balsamic Glaze?
It is a gourmet yet easy dish featuring seared chicken tenders tossed in a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze made of balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The recipe requires olive oil, chicken tenders, black pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, honey, and low sodium chicken broth.
How long does it take to cook the chicken tenders?
The chicken tenders should be cooked for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts sliced into thin strips, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on their thickness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
Is this balsamic chicken recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and easy chicken recipe, making it perfect for both cozy dinners and impressing guests.
What should I serve with these balsamic chicken tenders?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or your favorite grains like rice or quinoa.
How do I make the balsamic glaze?
The glaze is made by simmering balsamic vinegar, honey, and chicken broth in the skillet used to cook the chicken, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor.
Can I substitute honey in the glaze?
While honey provides a specific floral sweetness, you could substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar if needed.
Do I need to marinate the chicken first?
No, marinating is not required. The flavor comes from seasoning with black pepper and the rich balsamic glaze added at the end.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Reduce the heat to low-medium before adding the garlic and sauté it for only about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of low sodium chicken broth to help balance the flavors without making the dish too salty.
What is the purpose of scraping the bottom of the pan?
Scraping the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet incorporates intense savory flavors into the balsamic sauce.
How do I know when the glaze is ready?
The glaze is ready when it has simmered for about 1 minute and has thickened slightly to coat the chicken.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
While fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, you can use a small amount of garlic powder as a substitute if fresh is unavailable.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed (chicken, balsamic, honey, broth) are generally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your balsamic vinegar and broth to be sure.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve 4 people, just ensure you use a large enough skillet to cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
What kind of oil is best for searing the chicken?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil for its flavor and high smoke point.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken tenders should be juicy on the inside with a golden-brown exterior and a sticky, glossy glaze.
Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?
While not in the core instructions, you could sauté thin vegetables like asparagus or spinach in the glaze at the very end.
What if my glaze is too thin?
If the glaze is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute or two without the chicken to allow more liquid to evaporate.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is savory and sweet. If you want heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic.
Does this recipe use salt?
The recipe specifically lists black pepper for seasoning and relies on the savory notes of the chicken broth and balsamic for depth.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 12 ounces of chicken tenders, cleaned and trimmed.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is essential for this specific flavor profile; other vinegars will be too acidic and lack the necessary sweetness.
How long does the total preparation take?
The total time is very short, involving about 8 minutes of searing and 3-5 minutes of sauce preparation and glazing.
Is the chicken served hot?
Yes, it should be served immediately while the chicken is hot and the glaze is glossy.
Can I use a non-stick skillet?
Yes, a non-stick skillet works well, though a stainless steel pan may create more flavorful browned bits for the glaze.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, because the glaze keeps the chicken moist, it reheats better than plain grilled chicken tenders.