If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, smokiness, and a touch of tangy sauce, you’ve got to try this Sticky Bourbon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders : Sweet, Smoky & Saucy Recipe. This recipe brings together tender chicken bathed in a rich, caramelized bourbon glaze that’s sticky enough to keep you reaching for more. Every bite offers the ideal combination of flavors that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these chicken tenders will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward but flavor-packed ingredients is all it takes to create this magical dish. Each component lends its unique touch — from the caramel sweetness of brown sugar to the bold depth of bourbon — crafting a sauce that clings lovingly to every tender piece of chicken.
- Chicken tenders (1 ½ lbs): Perfectly lean and tender, they cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and elevating the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For a good sear that locks in juices and creates a golden crust.
- Bourbon (1/2 cup): Brings a smoky warmth and slight caramel flavor that’s signature to this dish.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps form that irresistible sticky glaze.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides salty umami depth with a subtle earthiness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Imparts sharp, fragrant notes that balance sweetness perfectly.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, 1/4 tsp): For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Butter (optional, 1 tbsp): Stirred in at the end to add gloss and a luscious, rich finish.
How to Make Sticky Bourbon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders : Sweet, Smoky & Saucy Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken to Perfection
Start by seasoning your chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial — it enhances the natural flavor and forms a tasty foundation for the layers of sauce that follow.
Step 2: Sear for Golden, Juicy Tenders
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown the chicken tenders, cooking them about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This creates that beautiful golden crust and ensures the inside stays juicy and tender. Once done, set them aside for the magic to happen in the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer Bourbon to Release Flavors
Lower the heat and carefully pour in the bourbon right into the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the bourbon’s rich, smoky aroma deepens. This step is where the flavor really starts to build.
Step 4: Build Your Sticky, Sweet, and Smoky Sauce
Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and if you like a little heat, add those red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens to a glossy, sticky glaze that clings beautifully to a spoon.
Step 5: Coat Chicken Tenders in Glorious Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss them gently so every piece is coated in that luscious bourbon brown sugar sauce. This step seals in flavor and makes those tenders irresistibly saucy and tender.
Step 6: Finish with Butter for Extra Richness
Add a tablespoon of butter right at the end, swirling it through the sauce. This enriches the glaze for a silky, glossy finish that tastes just like homemade comfort wrapped in divine sweetness and smokiness.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Plate your sticky, saucy chicken tenders while they’re steaming hot. They’re fantastic on their own or served alongside your favorite sides — get ready for compliments all around!
How to Serve Sticky Bourbon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders : Sweet, Smoky & Saucy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds a beautiful fresh color and a little crunch to complement the sticky texture of the dish. A wedge of lemon or lime on the side can bring a zesty brightness if you want to cut through the sweetness.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with mild, comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes or steamed jasmine rice, which soak up every drop of the sticky bourbon brown sugar sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad are excellent for some balance and freshness on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, serve the chicken tenders over garlic butter noodles or even inside warm tortilla wraps topped with crunchy slaw for a fun handheld meal. Drizzle extra sauce on top to make every bite irresistibly sticky and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover sticky bourbon brown sugar chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and remain bursting with flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a freezer-safe container or bag. When frozen properly, they hold well for up to 2 months, making for a perfect quick meal later.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the sauce’s sticky texture and keep the chicken juicy. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the caramelized glaze and avoid drying out your tenders.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of alcohol if I don’t have bourbon?
Absolutely! While bourbon gives its signature smoky sweetness, you can substitute with whiskey, dark rum, or even a good-quality apple cider for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and you’re good to go without compromising on taste.
How spicy is this recipe with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild heat that gently balances the sweetness. If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to leave them out or reduce the amount.
Can I prepare this recipe without the butter at the end?
Yes, the butter is optional and mainly adds richness and shine to the sauce, but the tenders will still be tasty and sticky without it.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Be sure not to overcook the tenders during the searing step. Cooking for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden ensures they stay juicy inside while caramelizing beautifully outside.
Final Thoughts
You’ve just discovered a truly irresistible flavor combination with this Sticky Bourbon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders : Sweet, Smoky & Saucy Recipe. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something comforting yet impressive without hours in the kitchen. Go ahead and give it a try — your dinner table is about to get a whole lot tastier and a little more fun!
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Sticky Bourbon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders : Sweet, Smoky & Saucy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sticky Bourbon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken coated in a sweet, smoky, and tangy bourbon glaze made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Perfectly seared and simmered to a sticky finish, this dish is ideal for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Bourbon Glaze
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1 tbsp butter (for finishing)
Instructions
- Season chicken tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders and sear each side for 3–4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Reduce bourbon: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully pour in the bourbon. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to slightly reduce and mellow the alcohol.
- Add glaze ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Continue simmering for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
- Coat chicken in glaze: Return the seared chicken tenders to the skillet and toss them well to coat evenly with the sticky bourbon glaze.
- Finish with butter: Add a pat of butter to the skillet and stir gently until melted to give the glaze a rich, glossy finish.
- Serve: Serve the sticky bourbon brown sugar chicken tenders hot alongside your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to ½ tsp.
- Use a good quality bourbon for the best flavor in the glaze.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- This chicken can be served with a variety of sides such as steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
