Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Chicken lovers, get ready for a crispy, caramelized, and mouthwatering dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite! These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are juicy, smoky, and coated in a rich brown sugar glaze, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re making them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, this easy recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to upgrade your usual chicken tenders, wrapping them in crispy bacon and coating them with sweet brown sugar is the ultimate solution. This simple recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or even meal prep.

The best part? The brown sugar caramelizes as it bakes, giving the bacon a crispy, candied coating while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. It’s an irresistible combination that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

To prepare these delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 strips of bacon

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Using a sharp knife, cut each chicken breast into four long, thin strips. This will give you eight evenly sized chicken tenders that will cook quickly and evenly.

3. Coat the Chicken in Brown Sugar

In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss them until they are fully coated in the brown sugar mixture. This step ensures that every bite is packed with delicious sweet and smoky flavors.

4. Wrap the Chicken in Bacon

Take each sugar-coated chicken strip and wrap it tightly with a strip of bacon. Make sure to slightly overlap the bacon so it stays secure while baking. If needed, use toothpicks to keep the bacon in place.

5. Arrange and Sprinkle Extra Brown Sugar

Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are not overcrowded. Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture over the top for extra caramelization and flavor.

6. Bake Until Crispy

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes while keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

Remove the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy them hot and crispy, paired with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Helpful Tips

Use Thin-Cut Bacon: Thin bacon wraps more easily and crisps up better in the oven.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Place chicken tenders in a single layer to allow them to cook evenly.
Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, turn on the broiler for the last few minutes.
Use a Baking Rack: Placing the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet helps the heat circulate for even crispiness.
Turn the Chicken Halfway: This ensures that both sides of the bacon get evenly browned and crispy.

Cooking Tips

Want to make your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders even better? Try these variations and extra tips:

Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the brown sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy flavor.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Mix 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into the brown sugar for a rich, garlicky taste.
Honey-Glazed: Drizzle the tenders with honey in the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra glossy, sticky-sweet finish.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through for extra crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes and dips. Here are some serving ideas:

With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a fresh Caesar salad, coleslaw, or avocado pasta salad.
As an Appetizer: Serve them with a selection of dips like BBQ sauce, ranch, or buffalo sauce.
With Roasted Vegetables: Try them with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or asparagus.
Over Rice or Pasta: Turn them into a meal by serving over a bed of rice, quinoa, or buttered pasta.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 480mg
Sugar: 12g

These chicken tenders offer a delicious balance of protein and flavor, making them a great option for keto and low-carb diets (if you reduce the brown sugar).

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep the bacon crispy.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work just as well in this recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

What other seasonings can I use?
Feel free to add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture for extra flavor.

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Conclusion

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate sweet, smoky, and crispy dish that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this easy and delicious recipe today, and enjoy a meal that’s packed with bold flavors and irresistible textures! 🍗🥓