Sugar Chicken Tenders with Bacon Recipe

Introduction

Sugar Chicken Tenders combine tender, juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon with a sweet and smoky glaze. This easy recipe delivers a deliciously balanced flavor perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces) (Use chicken breast strips if tenders unavailable.)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (Use thin cut bacon for crispness; turkey bacon works for lighter version.)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (Light brown sugar for caramel notes; dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor.)
• 1 tsp paprika (Adds warm color and mild smokiness.)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (Subtle garlic aroma without using fresh garlic.)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (Enhances layered savory flavor.)
• 1/2 tsp salt (Balances sweetness and seasons the chicken.)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (Mild peppery heat contrasts the sweet glaze.)
• cooking spray or oil (for greasing) (Use a light coating so bacon crisping isn’t impeded.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line with foil and apply cooking spray for easier cleanup.
2. Step 2: Lay out chicken tenders and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Toss with brown sugar until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Wrap each chicken tender with one slice of bacon (cooked or partially cooked). Place seam side down in baking dish, leaving slight space between pieces.
4. Step 4: Bake for about 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and bacon is crisp. Optionally broil 2–3 minutes for caramelization, watching carefully.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and rest 2–3 minutes before serving. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use thin cut bacon to ensure crispiness without overcooking the chicken.
• Swap dark brown sugar for light brown sugar to adjust the depth of sweetness and caramel flavor.
• Partially cook bacon before wrapping to reduce baking time and improve texture.
• For a lighter option, try turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to retain crispness—placing them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes works well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken tenders to ensure even cooking and proper texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before starting.

Do I have to precook the bacon before wrapping?

Precooking the bacon is optional. Using partially cooked bacon helps it crisp in the oven without overcooking the chicken, but raw bacon wrapped tightly will also cook through in the baking time.

Sugar Chicken Tenders with Bacon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

Sugar Chicken Tenders are juicy chicken strips wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet and smoky brown sugar glaze. Baked to perfection, this dish blends savory spices with the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar and bacon, making it an irresistible appetizer or main course.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings (1 chicken tender per serving) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Bacon

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces) (Use chicken breast strips if tenders unavailable.)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (Use thin cut bacon for crispness; turkey bacon works for lighter version.)

Seasonings & Sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (Light brown sugar for caramel notes; dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor.)
• 1 tsp paprika (Adds warm color and mild smokiness.)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (Subtle garlic aroma without using fresh garlic.)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (Enhances layered savory flavor.)
• 1/2 tsp salt (Balances sweetness and seasons the chicken.)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (Mild peppery heat contrasts the sweet glaze.)

Other

• Cooking spray or oil (for greasing) (Use a light coating so bacon crisping isn’t impeded.)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with foil and apply cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Season chicken: Lay out the chicken tenders and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Then toss the tenders with brown sugar until each piece is evenly coated for that perfect sweet-savory flavor.
3. Wrap with bacon: Wrap each seasoned chicken tender with one slice of bacon (either cooked or partially cooked). Place each bacon-wrapped tender seam side down in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crisp. For extra caramelization and crispiness, optionally broil the tenders for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for 2–3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use thin-cut bacon for a crispier texture, or turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Light or dark brown sugar can be used depending on preference for caramel or molasses flavor notes.
• Partially cooking the bacon before wrapping helps ensure it crisps fully during baking.
• Broiling at the end is optional but enhances caramelization and crispy edges.
• Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Resting the meat post-baking keeps it juicy and tender.

Keywords: sugar chicken tenders, bacon wrapped chicken, sweet and smoky chicken, baked chicken tenders, brown sugar chicken, easy chicken recipe, appetizer chicken