Irresistibly Sticky Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with brown sugar create a mouthwatering dance of sweet and savory flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Succulent pieces of tender chicken get wrapped in smoky, crisp bacon strips for an irresistible combination.

Salt and sweetness mingle together, promising a delightful culinary adventure on your plate.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between caramelized sugars and rich, salty meat.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum enjoyment without complicated cooking techniques.

Home cooks can master this recipe in less than thirty minutes.

Flavorful Variations For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace regular chicken tenders with gluten-free chicken tenders and use gluten-free bacon. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Maple Version: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup and add red pepper flakes for a hot kick. Sprinkle cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Turkey Bacon Alternative: Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner protein option. Use low-sodium turkey bacon to reduce salt content.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the brown sugar seasoning mix for an aromatic herb-enhanced flavor profile.

Pairings That Go With Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Pair Sweet Red Wine: Select a fruity red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to complement the sweet and smoky bacon brown sugar flavors, balancing the dish's rich profile.
• Create Crisp Coleslaw Side: Prepare a tangy, crunchy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to cut through the chicken's richness and provide refreshing contrast.
• Serve Roasted Garlic Asparagus: Roast asparagus with olive oil and garlic to add a light, green vegetable side that enhances the chicken's savory-sweet notes without overwhelming the main dish.
• Offer Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick honey mustard sauce using Dijon mustard, honey, and a touch of mayo to provide a complementary dipping option that echoes the recipe's sweet and tangy elements.

Storage Advice For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
• Wrap individual chicken 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 storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Reheat on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Check internal temperature reaches 165F.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders FAQ

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips are ideal. They cook evenly and absorb the delicious brown sugar and bacon flavors perfectly.

• Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon is a great substitute if you want a leaner option. Just make sure to crisp it up well before adding to the chicken tenders.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your spices and bacon are certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders That Impress

• Savor Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet brown sugar with crispy bacon for a mouthwatering taste sensation that surprises and delights your taste buds.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the irresistible combination of tender chicken, crunchy bacon, and sweet-savory coating that appeals to all ages.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep time, ideal for casual dinners, game nights, or unexpected guests craving something special.

Ingredients For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender strips of chicken that serve as the base of this delicious recipe.

• Brown Sugar, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A perfect mix of sweet and savory spices that create a flavorful coating for the chicken.

• Bacon: Crispy bacon pieces that add a smoky and salty crunch to the chicken tenders.

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

How To Cook 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 with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

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

Mix these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Dress The Chicken

Lay out chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar spice mixture over each tender, making sure every piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 4: Bacon Bonanza

Scatter crispy crumbled bacon pieces across the seasoned chicken tenders. Let the bacon rain down for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

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

Step 6: Serve And Devour

Pull out your golden-brown, sweet-and-savory chicken tenders. Plate them up immediately and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Pro Tips For Crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Slightly precook bacon before crumbling to ensure extra crunchiness and prevent sogginess during baking.
• Control Sugar Coating: Adjust brown sugar amount based on personal sweetness preference, using less for a more savory profile or more for intense caramelization.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy chicken tenders.
• Prevent Burning: Cover with aluminum foil halfway through cooking if bacon or sugar starts browning too quickly to avoid charring.
• Gluten-Free Option: Verify all seasoning ingredients are gluten-free and use certified gluten-free bacon for individuals with dietary restrictions.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling bacon brown sugar chicken tenders bring sweet and savory magic to dinner tables across America. Crispy, caramelized edges and tender meat promise a crowd-pleasing meal you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

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

Seasoning Mix:

• 1 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. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Create a flavor-enhancing blend by combining brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Arrange chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4. Generously dust the chicken tenders with the prepared brown sugar seasoning mixture, making sure each tender is thoroughly coated.
5. Sprinkle crumbled bacon pieces across the top of the seasoned chicken, distributing them evenly for maximum flavor coverage.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and the bacon turns crisp and golden.
7. Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for a brief moment to allow juices to redistribute.
8. Plate the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders immediately while hot, presenting the sweet and savory dish ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

• Ensure chicken tenders are similar in size for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and richer flavor profile when crumbled over chicken.
• For low-carb dieters, replace brown sugar with sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to maintain sweet-savory balance.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before seasoning to help spice mixture adhere better and create a more crispy exterior coating.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg