Brown Sugar Chili Glazed Chicken Tenders

• 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. 2 In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
3. 3 Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.
4. 4 Toss chicken tenders in the glaze mixture to coat evenly.
5. 5 Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
6. 6 Sear the chicken tenders for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. 7 Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
8. 8 Brush the chicken with any remaining glaze from the bowl.
9. 9 Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
10. 10 Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet
• Whisk
• Baking sheet

Variations

• Substitute chicken tenders with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Add a splash of honey to the glaze for extra sweetness.

Substitutions

• If you don't have chili sauce, substitute with an equal amount of sriracha mixed with ketchup.

Pairings

• Buttermilktermilk biscuits
• Pickled vegetables

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra crispy tenders, refrigerate the glazed chicken for 30 minutes before searing.
• Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper for your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
• Pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes.

FAQ