Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delicious and sweet take on traditional chicken tenders, with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. The brown sugar caramelizes as it cooks, creating a crispy, flavorful coating. Here’s a simple recipe to make these mouthwatering Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for crispiness)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- If using chicken breasts, cut them into strips or tender-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. The mixture should form a thick, smooth sauce.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- If you want extra crispy tenders, lightly toss the chicken strips in cornstarch to coat them before cooking. This step is optional but gives the tenders a nice crunch.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
- Add the chicken tenders to the skillet, cooking them in batches if necessary, so they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
5. Glaze the Chicken:
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the brown sugar sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring the chicken to coat evenly in the sauce as it thickens and caramelizes.
6. Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is glazed, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with your favorite side dishes such as rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Enjoy!
These Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are sweet, savory, and juicy, with a perfect balance of flavors. The caramelized brown sugar sauce makes them irresistible!
Would you like to add any variations to the recipe, or perhaps need some suggestions for side dishes to go with this? Let me know!