Indulge in these incredibly tender 🍗 Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders! A quick pan-fry creates a sweet, savory, and garlicky delight. Perfect for busy weeknights! Full recipe & nutrition details included.
Author:ilina
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Season the chicken tenders with black pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Pour the brown sugar mixture into the hot skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly with the thickened brown sugar sauce.
Step 5: Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to glaze the chicken. Serve hot immediately.
Notes
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, perfect for a quick, future meal.
Gently reheat tenders in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tiny splash of water if the sauce seems too thick, until warmed through and juicy.
These sticky-sweet tenders are fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice to catch all the savory sauce, or alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter option.
For the silkiest, lump-free sauce, ensure you whisk the cornstarch thoroughly with the liquids in Step 1 until completely dissolved before pouring it into the hot skillet to thicken.
Nutrition
Serving Size:3-4 chicken tenders (approx. 4 oz cooked)