If you are looking for a dish that combines sweet, savory, and crispy elements in every bite, you have to try this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe. This flavorful recipe brings together juicy chicken tenders wrapped in smoky bacon, all coated with a sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you want an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of textures and mouthwatering flavors. Let me walk you through how simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering all the ingredients for this recipe is so straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building layers of taste and texture. From the smoky bacon to the fragrant spices, every component enhances the overall experience of the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe.
- 1 pound chicken tenders: The star of the dish, tender and easy to wrap with bacon for a juicy bite every time.
- 8 slices bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and becomes satisfyingly crispy during cooking.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Provides a sweet, caramelized coating that contrasts perfectly with the savory bacon.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory note that complements both chicken and bacon.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color, making the tenders visually appealing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Metal skewers or toothpicks (optional): Helpful for securing the bacon around the chicken tenders to keep everything intact while baking.
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready, ensuring that each bite becomes golden and crispy. A properly preheated oven is key to achieving that perfect caramelization on the brown sugar coating and rendering the bacon just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Brown Sugar Spice Mix
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple blend is the magic behind the flavorful crust that will coat your chicken tenders, giving them a lovely balance of sweet, smoky, and savory tastes.
Step 3: Wrap Each Chicken Tender with Bacon
Take each individual chicken tender and tightly wrap it with a slice of bacon. If you want, secure the bacon with a toothpick or metal skewer to ensure it stays wrapped during baking. This step is where the smoky fatty goodness starts to envelop the juicy chicken, setting the stage for an irresistible flavor duo.
Step 4: Coat with Brown Sugar Mixture
Dip each bacon-wrapped chicken tender into the brown sugar spice mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well. This coating will melt slightly and crisp up in the oven, creating that sought-after sticky, caramelized exterior with a hint of smoky spice.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and place the coated tenders evenly spaced apart. This helps them cook evenly and lets the bacon crisp up nicely on all sides.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for the bacon crisping beautifully and the chicken cooking through but still remaining juicy inside. This step transforms the dish into that golden, sticky masterpiece you will love.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve your bacon brown sugar chicken tenders immediately for the best taste and texture. The warm, sweet-savory bites will have everyone reaching for seconds faster than you can say the recipe’s name!
How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the tenders to add a refreshing burst of color and a mild oniony crunch that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of a creamy ranch or honey mustard sauce can also elevate the flavors while complementing the sweetness of the brown sugar glaze.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad. For a fun twist, serve alongside sweet potato fries or corn on the cob to keep the comforting yet indulgent vibe consistent throughout your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by skewering two or three Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders on a wooden stick for easy dipping and sharing. Alternatively, place the tenders atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa and drizzle with a light balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy presentation that feels special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy the deliciousness again without missing a beat.
Freezing
These chicken tenders freeze beautifully. After cooking and cooling, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them a great meal prep option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the tenders in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain that irresistible crispness of the bacon and the caramelized sugar glaze.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips and follow the same wrapping and coating process. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken cooks through without drying out.
Is it necessary to use brown sugar? Can I substitute?
Brown sugar is ideal here because it adds moisture and that wonderful caramel flavor. You can try substituting with coconut sugar or a blend of white sugar and molasses, but the final flavor and texture might differ slightly.
How do I make sure the bacon stays wrapped around the chicken?
Using toothpicks or metal skewers is the best way to keep the bacon snugly wrapped, especially if your bacon slices are thin or the chicken tenders are larger. This ensures they cook evenly and look great when served.
Can this recipe be made on a grill?
Yes, you can grill these tenders for a smoky outdoor twist! Use indirect heat, cover, and cook slowly to prevent flare-ups from the bacon fat, rotating regularly until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked.
What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?
Classic choices like ranch, honey mustard, or even a tangy barbecue sauce complement the sweet-salty flavor of these tenders wonderfully. For something different, try a spicy aioli or a creamy blue cheese dip.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the combination of crispy bacon and tender chicken with a luscious brown sugar glaze transforming this dish into a sensation. The Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe is an effortless winner that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and irresistible crunch in every bite.
Print
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders feature juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, coated with a sweet and savory brown sugar and spice mixture, then baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish balances smoky, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices bacon
Seasoning
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Metal skewers or toothpicks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking the chicken tenders evenly and crisping the bacon.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a sweet and savory coating for the tenders.
- Wrap Chicken: Take each chicken tender and wrap it with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick or metal skewer if necessary to keep the bacon in place during cooking.
- Coat with Seasoning: Dip each bacon-wrapped chicken tender into the brown sugar seasoning mixture, thoroughly coating it to ensure each bite is flavorful and caramelized when baked.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks or skewers if used, and serve the tenders immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your sweet, savory, and crispy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders!
Notes
- Using metal skewers or toothpicks helps keep the bacon wrapped tightly around the chicken tenders.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the tenders for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, adding cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for better moistness.
- This recipe pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
