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To make delicious brown sugar chicken tenders, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon olive oil These ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory dish that everyone will love. The chicken tenders soak up the marinade, making them juicy and flavorful. The marinade is what makes this dish stand out. It combines sweet and salty flavors. Here’s how each ingredient plays a role: - Brown sugar gives sweetness and caramelizes during cooking. - Soy sauce adds a salty taste and depth. - Dijon mustard brings a tangy note. - Garlic powder and onion powder infuse rich flavor. - Black pepper and salt enhance all the tastes. Mix these ingredients well to create a smooth marinade. This mixture will help tenderize the chicken and give it a great taste. To make your brown sugar chicken tenders even better, consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped – This adds a pop of color and freshness. - Lemon wedges – Squeeze some for a zesty touch. - Sesame seeds – Sprinkle them on for crunch and flavor. These simple additions improve the dish’s look and taste. Serve the chicken tenders warm for the best experience. Enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of soy sauce. Next, mix in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth. This marinade will give the chicken a sweet and savory taste. Now, take 1 pound of chicken tenders. Place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. This helps the chicken soak up all those tasty flavors. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also lightly grease it with olive oil. Next, remove the chicken from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes. - Checking for Proper Doneness To ensure the chicken is done, it should be no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. Enjoy your tasty brown sugar chicken tenders! Marinating chicken is key to great flavor. I always use a resealable bag. It keeps the chicken coated well. I mix the marinade in a bowl first. This ensures all the ingredients blend nicely. - Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. - Marinate for at least one hour. Longer marinating gives deeper flavor. - Always refrigerate the chicken while it marinates. For the best chicken tenders, aim for even cooking. I place the tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking. - Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly. - Bake for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness at 165°F (75°C). Rest the chicken for five minutes after baking. This keeps them juicy and tender. Want to add a twist? I love experimenting with flavors. Here are some ideas: - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. - Try a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick. - Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma. These simple changes can take your chicken tenders to the next level. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken tenders overnight. This allows the sugars and spices to penetrate deeply into the meat. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Customize the Marinade: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or ingredients in the marinade, such as ginger or sesame oil, to enhance the flavor profile. Serve with Sides: Pair these chicken tenders with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that complements the sweet and savory flavors. {{image_2}} You can switch up the brown sugar in your marinade. Honey works well and adds a nice touch. Maple syrup is another good option if you want a unique flavor. Agave nectar is less sweet but still tasty. Each sweetener changes the taste a bit, so feel free to experiment. Grilling your chicken tenders gives them a smoky flavor. Just marinate as usual, then place them on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until they reach 165°F. If you prefer air frying, it’s easy too. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Both methods make the chicken crispy and delicious. Adding citrus can brighten your dish. Try lemon or lime juice in the marinade. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the taste. Just chop them up and mix them in. These simple tweaks create new flavors that keep your meals exciting. To store leftover chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them first. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. When you reheat chicken tenders, try using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the tenders stay crispy. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them soft. If you use the microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in. To freeze chicken tenders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, you can use cold water. Just be sure to cook them right after thawing. You should marinate the chicken tenders for at least 1 hour. This time allows the flavors to soak in well. For even better taste, marinate them overnight. The longer you let them sit, the more flavor they will have. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of tenders. Just cut them into strips to match the size of tenders. Use the same marinade and cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This way, you still get that sweet and savory taste. Brown sugar chicken tenders go great with many sides. Here are some ideas to try: - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries - A fresh garden salad - Rice or quinoa for a hearty meal These sides will balance the sweetness of the chicken and add color to your plate. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! We covered everything you need for brown sugar chicken tenders. You learned about the key ingredients, how to marinate and bake them perfectly, and tips for flavor enhancements. I also shared storage methods and alternative cooking ideas. With this guide, you can whip up tasty tenders for any meal. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy! Enjoy creating your dish and sharing it with others. Happy cooking!

Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Discover the deliciousness of brown sugar chicken tenders with this easy chicken recipe! Perfect for busy nights, these baked chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful marinade that combines brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices for a healthy twist on quick dinner ideas. Try this simple and satisfying dish for your next meal and enjoy tender, juicy chicken everyone will love. Save this recipe for later! #BrownSugarChickenTenders #EasyChickenRecipes #BakedChickenTenders #HealthyChickenMarinades
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth. This will be your marinade.

    Place the chicken tenders in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

      Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

        Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

            Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.

              Serve the chicken tenders warm, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes | Servings: 4