Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
1 pound chicken tenders
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
3. Place the chicken tenders in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Discard any remaining marinade.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Optional: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a caramelized finish, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serves 4
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 250
Net Carbs: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Tips & Variations:
1. For a spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
2. Serve the chicken tenders with a side of honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping, or toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce after baking for a different flavor.