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
Scale
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.
