Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and caramelized brown sugar. It’s the kind of flavor balance that makes you keep coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a dish to serve at your next gathering, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are exactly what you need.

This recipe is so simple that even beginner cooks can make it with ease. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the process is straightforward. The chicken remains tender and juicy on the inside, while the bacon gets beautifully crispy on the outside. The brown sugar melts into a glossy, slightly sticky glaze, wrapping everything in a rich, sweet-savory coating that tastes absolutely heavenly.

I first tried a variation of this dish at a friend’s house, and after just one bite, I knew I had to recreate it at home. Over time, I experimented with different seasonings, bacon cuts, and cooking methods to perfect the recipe. The result? A foolproof, mouthwatering, and addictive dish that never fails to impress.

What I love most is its versatility. You can serve it as an appetizer with dipping sauces, pair it with sides for a full meal, or even chop it up and use it in salads or wraps. The best part? It’s kid-friendly and great for meal prep, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.

Now, let’s dive into why you’re going to fall in love with these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders and how to make them perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make with Minimal Ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe is how effortless it is. With just five main ingredients, you can whip up a dish that looks and tastes like something from a restaurant. There’s no need for complicated marinades or long prep times. Just wrap, coat, and bake—it’s that simple.

2. Perfect Flavor Balance

The combination of savory bacon, tender chicken, and sweet brown sugar creates an incredible contrast of flavors. The bacon’s smokiness complements the rich caramelized sweetness, and the chicken acts as a juicy, neutral base that ties everything together.

3. Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, preparing snacks for game day, or making appetizers for a party, these chicken tenders are always a hit. They’re easy to eat, full of flavor, and can be customized with different seasonings or dipping sauces.

4. Kid-Friendly & Family Approved

If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a game-changer. The slightly sweet, crispy bacon coating makes the chicken irresistible to kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to get your little ones excited about eating protein-rich chicken.

5. Crispy, Caramelized Goodness

The brown sugar forms a glazed, crispy crust around the chicken, giving it a slightly crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the juicy interior. It’s finger-licking good and doesn’t require any deep frying.

Health Benefits

1. High in Protein

Chicken tenders are a lean protein source, making them a great choice for a satisfying meal. Protein is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and keeping you full longer.

2. Contains Healthy Fats

Although bacon is high in fat, it also provides important nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, and zinc. Opting for uncured, nitrate-free bacon makes it a healthier choice.

3. No Deep Frying Required

Unlike many crispy chicken recipes that require deep frying, this one is baked. This means you get the crispy texture without excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to fried snacks.

4. Easy to Make Gluten-Free

If you’re avoiding gluten, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring your bacon and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

5. Balanced Sweet-Savory Flavor Without Artificial Additives

Unlike store-bought glazed chicken or bacon-wrapped appetizers, this homemade version uses real, simple ingredients with no unnecessary preservatives or artificial flavors.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation & Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Servings:

• Makes 8 bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, serving 4-6 people depending on portion size.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 17g
• Sodium: 500mg

Ingredients List

To make these delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 8 strips)
• 8 strips of thick-cut bacon
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, cut each breast into 4 even strips, making a total of 8 chicken tenders.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Coat the chicken strips in this mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered.

Step 4: Wrap with Bacon

Take one bacon strip and wrap it around each chicken tender in a spiral, making sure the ends are tucked underneath. Repeat for all pieces.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the bacon-wrapped tenders seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. If you have extra brown sugar mixture, sprinkle it on top for extra caramelization.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)).

Step 7: Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness

If you want extra crispy bacon, broil the chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Let Rest & Serve

Let the chicken tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender.

How to Serve

These tenders are incredibly versatile! Here are some serving ideas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve with dips like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
• As a Main Dish: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
• In a Wrap: Slice and add to a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.

Pairing Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a simple Caesar salad.
• Beverages: A refreshing lemonade, iced tea, or a sparkling fruit juice.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, making them a great alternative. Just ensure they are boneless and cut into similar-sized strips for even cooking. Since thighs contain more fat, they may take an extra minute or two to crisp up properly.

What’s the best type of bacon to use?

Thick-cut bacon works best because it stays crispy while wrapping around the chicken. If you use thin-cut bacon, it may cook too quickly and become overly crispy before the chicken is done. However, if thin-cut is your only option, you can slightly reduce the oven temperature and monitor closely.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken tenders by wrapping them in bacon and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If freezing, arrange them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight container. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I prevent the brown sugar from burning?

Burning can happen if your oven runs hot or if the sugar is piled too thick in some spots. To prevent this, distribute the brown sugar evenly and place the tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow airflow. If you notice early browning, tent the tenders with foil and continue baking.

What dipping sauces pair best with these chicken tenders?

These chicken tenders are incredibly versatile when it comes to dipping sauces. Some top choices include honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a maple glaze for extra sweetness.

Can I make this dish in an air fryer?

Yes! To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tenders for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bacon should be crispy, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I add seasoning for extra flavor?

Definitely! While brown sugar and bacon add great flavor, you can enhance the taste with additional seasonings. Try smoked paprika for a smoky kick, cayenne pepper for heat, or garlic powder for a more savory balance.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, slice a tender open to ensure the chicken is white and opaque, with no pink in the center.

What can I do if my bacon doesn’t crisp up enough?

If your bacon isn’t crispy by the time the chicken is cooked, you can broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just be sure to watch closely, as the sugar can burn quickly under high heat.

Are these chicken tenders gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your bacon and seasonings don’t contain added gluten. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

One of the biggest challenges with bacon-wrapped recipes is ensuring that the bacon gets crispy without overcooking the chicken. The key to achieving this balance lies in using the right oven temperature, proper bacon thickness, and a good baking method. Thick-cut bacon is ideal because it crisps up at the same rate as the chicken cooks. Baking on a wire rack allows heat to circulate around the chicken, preventing the bacon from becoming soggy on the bottom. Additionally, a final broil for 1-2 minutes gives that extra crunch without drying out the meat.

How to Add a Spicy Kick to Your Chicken Tenders

If you love a little heat in your dishes, these chicken tenders can easily be transformed into a spicy version. One way to do this is by adding cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture before coating the chicken. You can also brush the tenders with a spicy honey glaze after baking—simply mix honey with a bit of hot sauce or sriracha. For an extra punch, serve them with a spicy dipping sauce like chipotle mayo or buffalo ranch.

How to Turn These Chicken Tenders into a Full Meal

While these tenders make an excellent appetizer, they can also be turned into a complete meal with the right sides. Serve them over a fresh green salad, alongside roasted sweet potatoes, or with buttery mashed potatoes for a satisfying dinner. You can also slice them and add them to sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls for a quick and flavorful meal prep option. Since the tenders are packed with protein, pairing them with a fiber-rich vegetable will create a balanced dish.

How to Make These Chicken Tenders Without Sugar

If you’re trying to cut down on sugar, you can modify this recipe while still keeping the amazing flavor. Instead of brown sugar, try using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar, which caramelizes similarly. Another option is to brush the bacon with a small amount of honey or maple syrup—this keeps the glaze effect while reducing the overall sugar content. Additionally, using smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cinnamon can help mimic the sweet-savory balance without added sugar.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now that you’ve got this irresistible Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe, it’s time to try it out! Whether for a family dinner, game day snack, or meal prep, these tenders are guaranteed to be a hit.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious creations!

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