Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients before starting is a little ritual I picked up from my grandmother — it makes the whole cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of chicken tenders
- 1 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
If you can’t find chicken tenders, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips. For a twist, you can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika, although the smoky flavor adds a lovely depth to the dish.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring your Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders to life:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then rub them with olive oil to ensure the spice mixture adheres well.
- Coat each tender generously with the brown sugar spice mix, pressing it onto the chicken to create a delicious crust.
- Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching to allow even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is caramelized and crispy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and keep the tenders moist.
Remember, patience is key — a lesson my grandmother taught me while stirring her simmering pots. Allowing the chicken to rest ensures each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International