Crispy Bacon & Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders spark magic in my kitchen every single time.

Unexpected flavor combinations always make me smile with anticipation.

Sweet and savory notes dance across tender meat that practically melts on the plate.

Salt and sugar create an incredible contrast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

My friends go wild when these delectable bites hit the table.

Moments of culinary delight happen when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Let’s make some mouthwatering magic that will have everyone begging for the recipe.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders That Hit Sweet and Savory

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a mouthwatering meal in just 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: Combines sweet brown sugar with smoky bacon, creating an irresistible taste profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Baking ensures perfectly cooked chicken without complicated techniques, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires simple pantry staples and just a few steps, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Ingredients

• Chicken Tenders: Juicy base protein that takes on the delicious spice and bacon flavors, best when fresh and uniform in size.
• Bacon: Adds crispy texture and rich salty flavor, choose regular-cut bacon for best wrapping.

• Brown Sugar: Provides sweet caramelization and helps create a delicious crispy exterior.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of savory flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky undertone that complements the bacon.
• Black Pepper: Brings subtle heat and enhances overall spice profile.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other seasoning flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Light herb garnish that adds color and fresh herbaceous note to the dish.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Prep Guide

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and create a smooth surface with parchment paper, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Explosion

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

Stir these ingredients until they become a magical spice blend that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 3: Massage the Chicken

Take each chicken tender and lovingly coat it with the spice mixture.

Ensure every inch gets a delicious flavor hug.

Step 4: Bacon Wrap Magic

Gently swaddle each seasoned chicken tender in a crispy bacon slice.

Use toothpicks to keep the bacon snug if needed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the bacon-wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and let them sizzle for 20-25 minutes.

You’re aiming for chicken that hits 165°F internally and bacon that’s wonderfully crisp.

Want extra crunch?

Broil for a quick 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Serve these mouth-watering tenders while they’re hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Bacon Chicken Tender Coating Tips

• Wrap bacon tightly around chicken tenders, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve extra crispy bacon without overcooking the chicken.
• Reduce added salt if using bacon, as it already contains high sodium content, helping control overall dish saltiness.
• Verify all spices are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious recipe.

Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Storage

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover the tenders with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Warm the tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain their crispy bacon and juicy texture, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.
• Toss out any leftovers that have been stored for more than 4 days or show signs of spoilage to ensure food safety.

Bacon Chicken Tenders and Their Best Bites

• Elevate Your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Experience
• Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling with subtle sweetness that balances the savory bacon and caramelized brown sugar notes, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Cool Dipping Sauce Strategy: Whip up a tangy honey mustard or creamy ranch dressing to provide a zesty counterpoint that brightens the sweet and smoky chicken tenders, adding a refreshing layer of excitement to each bite.
• Ideal Side Dish Companion: Prepare roasted brussels sprouts with a light balsamic glaze, offering a slightly bitter and caramelized vegetable option that perfectly complements the sweet and salty chicken, creating a well-rounded meal that delights the palate.
• Refreshing Beverage Option: Serve an ice-cold craft amber ale that echoes the caramel undertones of the brown sugar while providing a malty backdrop that stands up to the robust bacon and spice blend.

Fun Add-Ons For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular brown sugar with coconut sugar and use gluten-free bacon to create a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Swap brown sugar with a monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free bacon. Ensure the bacon is nitrate-free for a healthier alternative.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken tenders with firm tofu or tempeh strips, wrapping them in plant-based bacon or smoked rice paper for a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced jalapeños to the spice mix and sprinkle red pepper flakes over the tenders before baking for an extra kick of heat.

FAQs

• Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works well as a leaner alternative. Just watch the cooking time as it might crisp faster than regular bacon.

• How do I prevent the bacon from becoming soggy?

Pat the chicken tenders dry before seasoning and wrapping to reduce moisture. Also, place tenders on a wire rack over the baking sheet to help bacon crisp evenly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free bacon. Always check bacon labels to confirm ingredients.

• Can I prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time?

You can season and wrap the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders deliver an irresistible sweet and savory dance of flavors. Succulent chicken wrapped in caramelized bacon promises a mouthwatering experience that will delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders
• 8–10 slices bacon

Seasonings and Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
2. Create a flavor-enhancing spice blend by thoroughly mixing brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. Massage the spice mixture generously over each chicken tender, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Carefully encase each seasoned tender with a slice of bacon, wrapping snugly around the meat and securing with toothpicks if necessary to maintain the bacon’s position during cooking.
5. Arrange the bacon-wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece to allow proper heat circulation and even cooking.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring the internal chicken temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon becomes golden and crisp.
7. For additional crispiness, activate the broiler and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the tenders for a vibrant garnish and fresh herbaceous notes.
9. Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and the bacon retains its crispy texture.

Notes

• Ensure bacon is thinly sliced for optimal crispiness and even cooking around chicken tenders.
• Cut toothpicks slightly shorter to prevent burning during high-temperature baking.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before seasoning to help spice mixture adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat content and make the dish lighter for health-conscious eaters.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 435
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 1160 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg