Sticky Apricot-Glazed BBQ Chicken Tenders

Apricot BBQ Chicken Tenders are a quick, flavorful way to change up weeknight dinners. Tender grilled chicken glazed in a sweet-and-tangy apricot barbecue sauce delivers a smoky, finger-licking meal that the whole family will enjoy.

For simple weeknight sides, serve these chicken tenders with grilled vegetable rice pilaf, grilled corn on the cob, or fried okra. A crisp salad or a light slaw also pairs well to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

These tenders are fast to prepare and cook, and the apricot sauce is easy to make from pantry ingredients. Use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat—either will take on the glaze beautifully.

Ingredients for Apricot BBQ Chicken Tenders:

Chicken Tenders — about 2 pounds (chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer dark meat).

Apricot BBQ Sauce — make your own for the best flavor. A homemade sauce typically includes apricot preserves, apple cider vinegar, a sweetener such as real cane syrup or molasses, optional whiskey for depth, and seasonings like onion flakes, granulated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground red pepper for heat.

• 2 pounds chicken tenders
• 1 cup apricot BBQ sauce (homemade recommended)
• Apricot preserves, apple cider vinegar, real cane syrup or molasses (quantities vary by sauce recipe)
• Optional: a splash of whiskey or bourbon
• Seasonings: onion flakes, granulated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, ground red pepper

How to Grill Apricot BBQ Chicken Tenders

• Prepare a grill fire and aim for an indirect cooking temperature around 350°F. Use hickory or pecan wood chunks for a mild smoke flavor if desired.
• Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Place the tenders over indirect heat and cook with the grill lid closed for about 5 minutes.
• Flip the tenders, brush generously with apricot BBQ sauce, close the lid, and grill another 5 minutes.
• Flip again and brush with more sauce. Continue cooking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
• Remove tenders from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes to retain juices.
• Serve with extra apricot BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Grilling over indirect heat prevents the sauce from burning while still allowing it to caramelize. Brushing in layers creates a glossy, sticky coating without charring the glaze prematurely.

Tips and Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, soak wood chunks briefly before adding them to the coals, or use a smoker box.
• If you like a spicier glaze, increase the ground red pepper or add a dash of cayenne to the sauce.
• To save time, prepare the apricot BBQ sauce ahead of the day you plan to grill; it stores well in the refrigerator.
• Try the same glaze on boneless thighs, breasts, or even pork tenderloin for a different protein option.

• Use a digital thermometer to check doneness; remove chicken at 165°F and allow to rest.

How to Store and Reheat

Allow cooked tenders to cool before storing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the tenders and warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a little additional apricot BBQ sauce, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Reheating gently helps preserve moisture and prevents the sauce from burning.

Recipe Card: Apricot BBQ Chicken Tenders

Grilled Apricot BBQ Chicken Tenders are quick and simple to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or backyard cookouts. The combination of sweet apricot and tangy vinegar, balanced with a touch of smoke, creates an irresistible glaze that works well with many sides. Enjoy experimenting with spice levels and serving options to make this recipe your own.

If you enjoy this recipe, please leave a comment and a review to let others know how it turned out.