Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders combine savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in a simple, crowd-pleasing dish. Crispy bacon wraps tender chicken coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, making every bite irresistible. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer.
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
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with foil and apply cooking spray for easier cleanup.
- 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.
- Step 3: Wrap each chicken tender with one slice of bacon (cooked or partially cooked). Place seam side down in the baking dish, leaving slight space between pieces.
- Step 4: Bake for about 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and bacon is crisp. Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes to enhance caramelization, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest 2–3 minutes before serving. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispness, use thin-cut bacon and partially cook it before wrapping.
- Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter, lower-fat version.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
- If you prefer fresh garlic, mince 1 clove and add it to the seasoning mix.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring bacon retains some crispness by reheating in the oven or a toaster oven if possible.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast strips if tenders are unavailable. Just cut the breast into strips about the same size as tenders to ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to cook the bacon before wrapping the chicken?
Partially cooking bacon before wrapping helps it become crispy in the oven. However, you can use fully cooked bacon for convenience, or raw if you prefer, just expect a longer cooking time and check for doneness.
PrintBacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders combine the savory flavor of bacon with the sweet caramel notes of brown sugar, creating a deliciously balanced dish. Wrapped in crispy bacon and seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic, and onion powders, these chicken tenders are baked to juicy perfection, making them an irresistible meal or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 chicken tenders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces) (Use chicken breast strips if tenders unavailable)
Bacon and Sugar
- 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)
Seasonings
- 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
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with foil and spray with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Season chicken: Lay out chicken tenders and evenly season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Then toss the tenders with brown sugar until they are completely coated, ensuring a sweet glaze.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each seasoned chicken tender with a slice of bacon, either fully cooked or partially cooked. Place the bacon-wrapped tenders seam side down in the baking dish, leaving some space between each for even cooking.
- Bake to perfection: Bake the tenders 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 crispy. For extra caramelization, broil the dish for an additional 2–3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor of this sweet and savory dish.
Notes
- Use thin-cut bacon for crispier results or turkey bacon for a lighter alternative.
- Light brown sugar gives a milder caramel flavor, while dark brown sugar adds richness with molasses notes.
- If chicken tenders are unavailable, substitute with chicken breast strips cut to similar size.
- Broiling at the end enhances caramelization but requires close monitoring to avoid burning.
- Allow resting time after baking for juices to redistribute and keep chicken tender.
Keywords: bacon chicken tenders, brown sugar chicken, baked chicken tenders, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken recipe, bacon wrapped chicken
