Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: A Sweet and Savory Delight for Dinner

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together the crispy goodness of bacon and the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar, creating a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Originating from the heart of American cuisine, these chicken tenders have become a favorite in many households, often served at gatherings and family dinners.

What makes Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders so beloved is their incredible flavor profile and texture. The tender chicken is enveloped in a crispy bacon shell, while the brown sugar adds a delightful glaze that enhances every bite. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound bacon, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken Tenders

First things first, let’s get our chicken tenders ready. I love using fresh chicken tenders for this recipe, but you can also use chicken breasts cut into strips if that’s what you have on hand.

1. Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well until they are evenly combined.
3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss the chicken tenders in the mixture until they are fully coated. I like to use my hands for this part; it’s messy but effective!
4. Once the chicken is coated, let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken. If you have more time, you can marinate it in the fridge for up to an hour.

Preparing the Bacon

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the bacon. The bacon adds a delicious crunch and flavor to the chicken tenders.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for crispy bacon and juicy chicken.
2. Take your bacon slices and cut them in half. You’ll want to wrap each chicken tender with a half slice of bacon. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist while cooking.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows the fat from the bacon to drip off while the chicken cooks, ensuring it stays crispy.

Wrapping the Chicken Tenders

Now comes the fun part—wrapping the chicken tenders in bacon!

1. Take a chicken tender and place a half slice of bacon at one end. Start wrapping the bacon around the chicken tender, overlapping slightly as you go. Make sure to cover the entire tender.
2. Once wrapped, place the bacon-wrapped chicken tender on the wire rack. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders. I usually find it helpful to keep a little bowl of water nearby to wet my fingers if the bacon gets too sticky.
3. After all the chicken tenders are wrapped, drizzle a little olive oil over the top. This helps the bacon crisp up nicely in the oven.

Baking the Chicken Tenders

Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to bake these delicious bacon brown sugar chicken tenders!

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
2. About halfway through the cooking time, I like to flip the chicken tenders over to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides. Be careful when flipping, as the bacon can be a bit delicate.
3. Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.

Serving the Chicken Tenders

Now that our bacon brown sugar chicken tenders are ready, it’s time to serve them up!

1. Transfer the chicken tenders to a serving platter. I like to garnish them with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. These tenders are perfect for dipping! Serve them with your

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, a party appetizer, or a fun family meal, these tenders are sure to impress everyone at the table. For a delightful twist, consider pairing these chicken tenders with a side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance the sweetness. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a tangy barbecue or a zesty ranch, to add even more flavor to your meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the brown sugar mixture for an extra kick! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, or any creative twists you come up with. Trust me, once you taste these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you’ll want to make them again and again. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: A Sweet and Savory Delight for Dinner

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   • Author: Lily
   • Total Time: 45
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x
   • Diet: Gluten Free

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   Description

   1. Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are sweet, smoky, and crispy – the perfect combo for an easy family dinner or a party snack. These crowd-pleasers are wrapped in bacon, coated in brown sugar, and baked to sticky perfection. Try this simple and fun chicken tender recipe today

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   Ingredients

   
   

   
   

   • 1 lb chicken tenders

   
   

   • 10–12 slices of bacon (thin-cut)

   
   

   • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

   
   

   • 1 tsp garlic powder

   
   

   • ½ tsp paprika

   
   

   • ½ tsp black pepper

   
   

   • Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper

   
   

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   Instructions

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray with non-stick spray.

   • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.

   • Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, then roll in the brown sugar mixture, pressing to coat.

   • Place wrapped tenders on the rack, seam side down.

   • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.

    

   • Let cool slightly before serving.

   Notes

   • Use thin bacon so it crisps up nicely in the oven.

   • For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—watch closely!

   • Serve with ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for dipping.

    

   • Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or party appetizers.

   • Prep Time: 10
   • Cook Time: 30–35
   • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
   • Method: Baked
   • Cuisine: American

   Keywords: Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders