Crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe: Sweet & Savory

Crispy bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with brown sugar create a mouthwatering combo that’ll make dinner feel like a celebration.

Sweet and savory notes dance together in this simple recipe.

Perfectly caramelized edges promise a delightful crunch in every bite.

Lean protein meets indulgent flavor for a meal that satisfies serious cravings.

Home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under 30 minutes.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum taste without complicated preparation.

Why You’ll Love Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet brown sugar with savory bacon for a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for cooks of all experience levels.
• Versatile Party Showstopper: Great for game day gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Delivers a delicious meal in under an hour, solving the eternal question of what to cook when time is short and hunger is high.

Ingredients for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender strips of white meat that serve as the base for this delicious recipe.
• Bacon: Savory, crispy strips that wrap around the chicken for added flavor and texture.

• Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A sweet and spicy blend that creates a delectable coating for the chicken tenders.

• Olive Oil, Parchment Paper, Toothpicks: Essential items for preparing and cooking the chicken tenders with ease and preventing sticking.

Instructions for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Give it a quick spray of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until it becomes a delicious seasoning blend.

Step 3: Wrap And Dress Chicken

Take each chicken tender and lovingly wrap it with a slice of bacon. If the bacon needs help staying put, use toothpicks as tiny anchors. Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the spice mixture, making sure it’s completely covered in flavor.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Arrange the dressed chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Slide the sheet into the hot oven and let them sizzle for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bacon turns crispy and golden, and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Step 5: Serve And Savor

Pull the tenders out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Plate them up and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that combines sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every single bite.

Pro Tips for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Prevent Bacon Sticking: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent chicken tenders from sticking to the pan.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165F internally, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked meat every time.
• Reduce Sugar Caramelization: If bacon browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing chicken to cook completely.
• Maximize Flavor Coating: Press brown sugar mixture firmly onto bacon-wrapped tenders to create a more intense and even flavor profile.
• Adjust Bacon Crispness: For extra crispy bacon, broil tenders for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Variation Ideas for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Bacon Chicken: Replace wheat-based spices with certified gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free bacon brands.
• Maple Pecan Chicken Tenders: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup and add crushed pecans to the coating for a nutty crunch.
• Turkey Bacon Health Version: Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner protein option and reduce overall fat content.
• Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Tenders: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños to the brown sugar coating for a hot and sweet flavor profile with extra kick.

Pairing Suggestions for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Pair Zesty Citrus Cocktail: Craft a refreshing lemon-lime mojito that cuts through the rich, sweet bacon chicken with bright, tangy notes. The citrus will balance the heavy flavor and cleanse the palate.
• Create Crisp Slaw Side: Prepare a light, vinegar-based coleslaw with green cabbage and apple cider vinegar. The acidic crunch provides a perfect contrast to the sweet and savory chicken tenders.
• Select Smooth Cool Dip: Whip up a quick honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping. The creamy, cool sauce will complement the warm, caramelized bacon exterior and add an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Storage Advice for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Warm tenders at 350F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring crispy bacon and moist chicken by covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature carefully to maintain taste and avoid rubbery texture.

FAQs About Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts or thighs. Just cut them into similar-sized strips to ensure even cooking.

• How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too greasy?

Use thick-cut bacon and place the chicken tenders on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow excess grease to drip down during baking.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These bacon brown sugar chicken tenders can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

• What can I do if I don't have smoked paprika?

If you’re out of smoked paprika, you can substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder to maintain a similar flavor profile.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor succulent bacon brown sugar chicken tenders, where sweet and smoky flavors dance across perfectly crispy chicken. Each bite promises a delightful blend of caramelized sweetness and salty bacon that will leave you craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders
• 12 slices bacon

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Preparation:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly greasing the surface with olive oil.
2. Create a flavor-packed coating by blending brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Envelop each chicken tender with a crispy bacon slice, using toothpicks to secure if necessary. Generously press the bacon-wrapped morsels into the prepared spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the bacon transforms into a perfect crisp and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).
6. Extract from the oven and allow a brief cooling period to let flavors settle and prevent burning. Serve while warm and enjoy the tantalizing combination of sweet and savory notes.

Notes

• Bacon thickness matters significantly; choose thin-cut bacon for crispier results and even cooking around the chicken tenders.
• Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring food safety without overcooking.
• Consider reducing brown sugar for lower-sugar diets or substituting with monk fruit sweetener for diabetic-friendly version.
• Line baking sheet with aluminum foil under parchment paper for easier cleanup and preventing potential burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 441 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 595 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg