Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in crispy bacon. This easy-to-make dish is great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering juicy chicken with a caramelized glaze that everyone will love.

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

Tips & Variations

• Use thin-cut bacon for crisper results or turkey bacon for a lighter alternative.
• Dark brown sugar adds a richer molasses flavor, while light brown sugar offers a more delicate caramel note.
• If you prefer, season with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Partially cooking the bacon before wrapping helps ensure it crisps up without overcooking the chicken.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain crispness. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, chicken breast strips can be used as a substitute if tenders aren’t available. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Do I need to cook the bacon before wrapping the chicken?

Partially cooking the bacon beforehand helps it crisp up better during baking. However, you can also use raw bacon; just be sure to bake until the bacon is fully cooked and crisp.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

Deliciously sweet and savory Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken with a rich brown sugar glaze, enhanced by paprika, garlic, and onion powders for a flavorful and impressive meal.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
• Total Time: 30-33 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 chicken tenders 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces) (Use chicken breast strips if tenders unavailable)

Bacon

• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (Use thin cut bacon for crispness; turkey bacon works for lighter version)

Seasonings and Flavor

• 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)

Others

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: 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 the Chicken: Lay out the chicken tenders evenly and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Then toss the tenders with brown sugar until they are evenly coated to imbue a sweet and savory flavor.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each seasoned chicken tender with one slice of bacon. You can use cooked or partially cooked bacon. Place each wrapped tender seam side down in the prepared baking dish, spacing them slightly apart to allow even cooking and crisping.
4. Bake the Tenders: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crisp. For extra caramelization, optionally broil the tenders for an additional 2–3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve them warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor from the crispy bacon and sweet glaze.

Notes

• Use thin cut bacon for crispier results. Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative but may be less crispy.
• You can substitute chicken breast strips if chicken tenders are not available.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
• Watch closely during the broiling step to avoid burning the brown sugar glaze.
• Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: bacon, brown sugar, chicken tenders, baked chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner