Irresistible Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe You’ll Love

Bacon brown sugar chicken tenders represent a mouthwatering fusion of contrasting culinary sensations that dance across your palate.

Crispy, golden-brown strips get wrapped in smoky, salty goodness that promises intense flavor complexity.

Sweet crystalline sugar melts into a glossy glaze, creating irresistible caramelized edges on tender meat.

Each morsel balances richness with a subtle hint of warmth from carefully selected spices.

Unexpected ingredient combinations redefine ordinary chicken into something extraordinarily delectable.

Home cooks and flavor enthusiasts will appreciate how simple ingredients can elevate a straightforward protein into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

The magic happens when sweet meets savory in this crowd-stopping recipe.

Why These Sweet-and-Smoky Tenders Steal the Spotlight

• Savor Sweet-Savory Fusion: Bacon brown sugar chicken tenders blend rich, smoky bacon with caramelized brown sugar, creating an irresistible flavor combination that dances between sweet and salty sensations.
• Enjoy Crispy Texture Perfection: The recipe guarantees a delightful crunch from perfectly cooked bacon and golden-brown edges, offering a satisfying textural experience with each bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: These chicken tenders require minimal preparation time, making them an ideal meal for busy families or quick dinner solutions that deliver maximum flavor without complex cooking techniques.

Ingredients That Bring on the Bacon Bliss

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender cut of chicken, perfect for quick cooking and absorbing flavors.

• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Paprika: Provides mild sweetness and vibrant color to the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps season the meat.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a subtle heat and sharp flavor profile.

• Bacon Slices: Adds richness, smokiness, and creates a crispy exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramelized sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.

• Toothpicks: Optional tool for securing bacon around chicken tenders.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.

How to Wrap, Bake, and Glaze Like a Champ

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Seasonings

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Ensure even coating of seasonings across all tenders.

Step 2: Wrap Chicken With Bacon

Carefully wrap each seasoned chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if needed, preventing it from unwrapping during cooking.

Step 3: Add Sweet Brown Sugar Coating

Generously sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped tenders. Press the sugar gently to help it adhere to the bacon, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Arrange the bacon-wrapped tenders on the prepared sheet, ensuring they are not touching.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bacon turns crispy and golden. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and savory combination.

Tricks for Crisp Bacon and Tender Chicken Every Time

• Choose Quality Bacon: Select thick-cut bacon that will crisp up nicely and provide a robust flavor to your chicken tenders.
• Prevent Sugar Burning: Ensure brown sugar doesn't burn by placing the chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet and monitoring them during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Test Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked and safe-to-eat chicken tenders.
• Create Even Coating: Gently press brown sugar onto bacon to help it adhere and create a deliciously caramelized exterior.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare these chicken tenders in advance and refrigerate before baking, which can help the flavors meld together more intensely.

Keep ‘Em Crispy Even After a Reheat

• Refrigeration: Store leftover bacon brown sugar chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil to help retain crispiness and prevent drying out. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• Freezing: Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Completes These Sweet and Savory Bites

• Pair with Zesty Coleslaw: Serve crisp, tangy coleslaw alongside these sweet and savory chicken tenders to balance the rich, caramelized bacon flavor with a refreshing crunch.
• Complement with Chilled White Wine: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to match the brown sugar's sweetness and cut through the bacon's richness, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Match with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: Create a perfect side dish by roasting sweet potato wedges with a light sprinkle of cinnamon, echoing the brown sugar's warmth and providing a complementary texture to the crispy chicken tenders.

New Glaze Ideas for Bold Flavor Adventures

• Honey Mustard Mingle: Swap brown sugar with a honey mustard glaze by mixing honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for tangy sweetness.
• Spicy Maple Kick: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bold, heat-packed flavor profile that tingles taste buds.
• Herb-Crusted Bacon Wrap: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the brown sugar coating to create an aromatic and complex chicken tender experience.
• Smoky BBQ Transformation: Brush chicken tenders with smoky barbecue sauce before wrapping in bacon and sprinkle a light brown sugar layer for caramelized edges and rich flavor.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders bring sweet and savory magic to dinner tables with crispy, caramelized perfection. Succulent chicken strips wrapped in smoky bacon and glazed with rich brown sugar create an irresistible flavor combination you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders
• 8 strips bacon

Seasoning and Coating:

• ½ cup (120 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Finishing Seasonings:

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the middle for even cooking.
2. Mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
3. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adhesion and crispy bacon.
4. Thoroughly coat each chicken tender with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Carefully wrap each seasoned chicken tender with a full slice of bacon, overlapping slightly to secure the meat.
6. Use toothpicks to fasten the bacon in place if needed, preventing it from unraveling during cooking.
7. Create a generous coating by pressing brown sugar firmly onto the bacon-wrapped tenders, ensuring maximum caramelization.
8. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
9. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even heat circulation.
10. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
11. Check for doneness by ensuring the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
12. Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.
13. Carefully remove toothpicks before serving and enjoy the sweet and savory chicken tenders while still warm.

Notes

• Bacon’s crispy texture adds a delightful crunch that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into an irresistible meal.
• Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating a sweet and savory glaze that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Toothpicks help secure bacon perfectly, preventing slippage and ensuring even cooking across each tender.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat prevents sticky situations and makes cleanup a breeze after enjoying this mouthwatering dish.
• Checking internal chicken temperature guarantees food safety while maintaining juicy, tender meat that melts in your mouth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 1150mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 100mg