Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders stacked on a plate, crispy and caramelized with a garlic brown sugar glaze, served with creamy dipping sauce and fresh greens

Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, delivering a perfect sweet and savory flavor that our whole family adores. The simple brown sugar glaze comes together in minutes and makes the chicken unbelievably juicy and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional dipping sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional dipping sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional dipping sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional dipping sauce)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper (optional dipping sauce)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Toss in a bowl with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken tenders 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, garlic, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat in glaze. Cook 1-2 minutes until sauce clings to the chicken. Reduce heat if necessary.
  5. Mix optional dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve chicken hot with dipping sauce and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. For a healthier version, bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-searing.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: brown sugar chicken, chicken tenders, skillet chicken, sweet and savory chicken

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://www.havenofrecipes.com/brown-sugar-chicken-tenders/