Go Back
- 1 pound of chicken tenders - 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon of garlic powder - 1 teaspoon of onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon of salt - 1 tablespoon of olive oil (plus more for greasing) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) You can swap out some ingredients for different flavors. Use honey instead of brown sugar for a lighter taste. Tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option. If you need a kick, try sriracha or a hot sauce instead of Dijon mustard. For a fresh twist, use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in place of mustard. Each serving has about 290 calories. This includes 10 grams of fat, 40 grams of protein, and 15 grams of carbohydrates. You also get around 500 milligrams of sodium. The dish offers some fiber too, thanks to the chicken and seasonings. It provides a good boost of energy and is great for a quick meal that satisfies. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth. This blend gives the chicken a tasty kick. 2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it sit overnight. 3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get a baking sheet ready. Line it with parchment paper or grease it with olive oil. This step keeps the chicken from sticking. 4. Prepare the Chicken: Once marinated, take the chicken out. Let any extra marinade drip off. Place the tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them. 5. Bake the Chicken: Cook the chicken tenders in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). There should be no pink in the center. 6. Rest the Chicken: After baking, take the sheet out of the oven. Let the tenders rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps them juicy and tender. 7. Serve: Serve the chicken warm. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. - Always check the internal temperature of the chicken. This ensures it is safe to eat. - Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it moist. - If you want extra flavor, consider marinating overnight. For a better understanding, look for video tutorials online. Watching someone prepare this dish can help you learn quicker. You can also find images that show the marinating process and baked chicken. This visual aid can make cooking more fun and easy! To make your brown sugar chicken tenders even tastier, consider adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These add a nice kick while balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can also use fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for an aromatic boost. While baking is simple, you can also grill or pan-fry the chicken tenders. Grilling gives them a smoky flavor, while pan-frying adds a crispy texture. If you choose to fry, use a bit of oil in a hot skillet. Cook until golden brown on each side. Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side. Pair these chicken tenders with sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, serve them with a honey mustard or barbecue sauce. A cool dipping sauce complements the sweet flavor well. You can also garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Allowing the chicken tenders to marinate overnight will enhance the flavors significantly, resulting in a more delicious and tender dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer with space in between. This allows for even cooking and prevents steaming. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar marinade. {{image_4}} You can make this dish gluten-free by swapping soy sauce for tamari. Tamari offers a similar taste without the gluten. For a low-sodium version, choose low-sodium soy sauce. This cut helps reduce salt intake but keeps great flavor. To change things up, try different marinades or spices. Add a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick. You can also use honey instead of brown sugar for sweetness. For a spicy touch, mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder. These small changes create new tastes without much effort. Scaling the recipe is easy. If you need more servings, double all the ingredients. For fewer servings, cut everything in half. This flexibility helps you serve just the right amount for any meal. To keep your brown sugar chicken tenders fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the chicken juicy. If you have more than you can eat, freeze the extras. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This will protect it from freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat carefully. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. Check that they reach a safe temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. You can also use a microwave, but be aware it may make the tenders a bit soggy. Brown sugar chicken tenders can last in the fridge for 3-4 days. If frozen, they stay good for up to 3 months. Remember to label your containers with dates. This helps you keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Enjoy your delicious tenders while they are at their best! How long should I marinate the chicken? I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, let it sit overnight. This gives the flavors time to soak in. How do I cook the chicken tenders? Bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked with no pink inside. What if my chicken tenders dry out? To avoid dryness, do not overcook them. Check for doneness at 15 minutes. Letting them rest for 5 minutes after baking helps keep them juicy. What if my chicken tenders burn? If they start to burn, lower the oven temperature next time. Make sure to place the tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. How can I make this dish kid-friendly? Make the chicken tenders fun by cutting them into smaller pieces. Serve them with a tasty dip like ranch or honey mustard. Kids love to dip! This article provided a clear guide on making chicken tenders. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and flavor tips to enhance your dish. You learned about substitutions, nutritional values, and how to store leftovers. I shared variations to suit different diets and preferences, plus answers to common questions. Remember, with these steps, you can create tasty, juicy chicken tenders every time. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with loved ones!

Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Delight

Delicious chicken tenders marinated in a sweet and savory brown sugar sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This flavorful blend will serve as your marinade.
  • Arrange the chicken tenders in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • After marination, remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  • Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness; the chicken should be fully cooked with no pink showing in the center. The internal temperature must reach 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for about 5 minutes.
  • Serve the chicken tenders warm, garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant appearance.

Notes

For enhanced flavors, let it marinate overnight.
Keyword brown sugar, chicken tenders, easy recipe