Irresistible Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with brown sugar create a mouthwatering dance of sweet and savory flavors that will instantly captivate your taste buds.

Succulent pieces of tender chicken get an incredible makeover when draped in smoky bacon strips.

Caramelized brown sugar adds a delightful crunch and magical glaze to every bite.

Salt and sweetness blend perfectly in this irresistible dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

Simple ingredients come together to craft something extraordinary without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Each tender promises a burst of incredible flavor that makes dinner feel special and memorable.

Why Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Are a Crowd Favorite

• Savor Irresistible Flavor Combinations: Bacon and brown sugar create a mouthwatering sweet and savory blend that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This recipe requires minimal prep work and uses basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy families looking for a delicious dinner solution that doesn't demand complex cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar coating, turning this dish into a guaranteed hit for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under an hour, making it an ideal option for last-minute meal planning.

Ingredients for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Fresh and tender chicken strips perfect for a flavorful baked dish.

• Brown Sugar, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A sweet and savory blend that adds rich flavor and caramelization to the chicken.

• Bacon: Crispy bacon pieces that provide a smoky and salty crunch to complement the sweet seasoning.

• Cooking Spray, Oil, Aluminum Foil: Essential items for easy preparation and preventing the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Give the foil a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft The Flavor Explosion

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended into a magical seasoning mix.

Step 3: Dress The Chicken

Lay out your chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar seasoning mixture all over the tenders, making sure every inch gets coated with flavor.

Step 4: Bacon Blast Off

Scatter crispy crumbled bacon pieces across the top of the seasoned chicken tenders. The bacon will add a delightful crunch and smoky punch.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon turns deliciously crisp.

Step 6: Serve And Devour

Pull the chicken tenders out of the oven and serve them piping hot. Watch as everyone dives in to enjoy this sweet and savory masterpiece.

Pro Tips for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Crispify Bacon: Ensure bacon is finely crumbled for even distribution and maximum flavor in every bite.
• Control Sugar Coating: Gently pat chicken tenders dry before seasoning to help brown sugar adhere better and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Swap Protein Options: Easily substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts or turkey tenders while maintaining similar cooking time and temperature.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare seasoning mix and crumble bacon in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of preparation time.

Variation Suggestions for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken tenders with firm tofu or tempeh slices, using the same brown sugar and bacon-inspired seasoning for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bacon and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free, maintaining the original flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture for those who enjoy a heat-packed version of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol and use turkey bacon for a lighter, keto-friendly rendition of the chicken tenders.

Pairing Ideas for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Savor Sweet-Smoky Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling with subtle sweetness that complements the brown sugar's caramelized notes and cuts through the bacon's richness.
• Create Zesty Side Companion: Prepare a tangy apple slaw with green onions and light vinaigrette to balance the chicken's sweet-salty profile and add refreshing crunch.
• Match Hearty Beverage Option: Pour a cold amber craft beer with malty undertones that echoes the caramelized brown sugar and enhances the smoky bacon flavors.
• Elevate Dipping Sauce Choice: Whip up a maple-dijon mustard sauce that amplifies the dish's sweet-savory complexity and provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the crispy chicken tenders.

Storage Advice for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place tenders on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips similar in size to tenders and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use turkey bacon or reduce bacon amount. Choose a low-sodium brown sugar alternative and use skinless chicken tenders to cut down on calories.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer – chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can season the chicken and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Avoid adding bacon until just before cooking to keep it crispy.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible bacon brown sugar chicken tenders deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy, caramelized edges and juicy meat make these tenders an instant crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Seasoning Blend:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Preparation:

• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

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Instructions

1. Create a culinary canvas by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil, lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Craft a tantalizing seasoning blend by whisking together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
3. Arrange chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and generously dust with the aromatic brown sugar mixture, making sure each tender is thoroughly coated.
4. Sprinkle crispy, crumbled bacon pieces across the seasoned chicken, adding a savory crunch to the sweet and spicy foundation.
5. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and the bacon transforms into golden, crisp fragments.
6. Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve immediately while still piping hot and irresistibly aromatic.

Notes

• Adjust brown sugar quantity based on desired sweetness level, keeping balance with savory bacon flavor.
• Ensure chicken tenders are patted dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create crispy exterior.
• Use thick-cut bacon for more robust texture and richer flavor profile in the dish.
• Consider low-sodium alternatives for health-conscious individuals by reducing salt and using turkey bacon for lighter version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg