Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe – Easy Sweet & Savory Dinner Idea
This brown sugar chicken tenders recipe is a crispy and flavorful dish made with tender chicken coated in a sweet brown sugar glaze. Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or anytime you want a quick and delicious comfort food recipe.
Equipment
- Skillet or oven
- Air fryer (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan (for glaze)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken breast or tenderloin, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Toss chicken strips with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook Chicken:Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.Skillet: Pan-fry over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side.Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Make Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, garlic, and chili flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Glaze Tenders: Brush or toss cooked chicken in glaze until coated.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with sides or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Sugar Choice: Light brown sugar gives mild sweetness; dark brown sugar adds molasses depth.
- Flavor Variations: Add honey for stickiness, hot sauce for spice, or BBQ sauce for smoky notes.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze cooked tenders for 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer to keep crisp.
- Pro Tip: Cook glaze gently—high heat can burn sugar and turn it bitter.