Sticky-Sweet Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy bacon weaves magic into these brown sugar chicken tenders, creating a sweet and savory symphony that dances across your taste buds.

Unexpected flavor combinations spark culinary excitement in every bite.

Maple-infused notes complement the salty crunch of perfectly caramelized bacon.

Tender chicken strips get an irresistible makeover with this simple yet ingenious recipe.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Succulent pieces coated in a golden-brown glaze promise a mouthwatering experience that’ll make you the star of dinner.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this delectable dish.

Why Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Are a Sweet and Savory Treat

• Savor Sweet and Savory Fusion: Experience a mouthwatering blend of crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into an extraordinary dish.
• Tackle with Minimal Cooking Skills: Beginner cooks can nail this recipe with simple steps, basic ingredients, and foolproof technique that guarantees delicious results every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, and family gatherings where guests crave something both familiar and exciting, these chicken tenders deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking make this recipe a go-to option for busy households seeking a delectable meal that doesn't require complicated techniques or extensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender strips of chicken that serve as the base protein for this flavorful dish.
• Bacon: Thin slices of cured pork that add a crispy, smoky texture and rich flavor to the chicken.

• Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder, Paprika: A sweet and savory blend that creates a delicious coating for the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders.

• Toothpicks: Small wooden picks used to secure the bacon around the chicken tenders during cooking.
• Parchment Paper: A non-stick baking paper that helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

How to Cook Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for some seriously delicious chicken magic.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Blend

• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Combine these ingredients until they create a tantalizingly sweet and spicy coating.

Step 3: Wrap the Chicken in Bacon Hugs

Take each chicken tender and lovingly wrap it with a slice of crispy bacon. Secure each bundle with toothpicks to keep the bacon snug and secure.

Step 4: Give the Chicken a Sugar Bath

Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, making sure every inch gets a delicious coating of flavor.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully place the sugar-coated chicken tenders on the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for fully cooked chicken and bacon that’s beautifully crisp and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Pull out the toothpicks and serve these mouthwatering chicken tenders hot. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Pat chicken tenders dry before wrapping to help bacon crisp up perfectly and prevent sogginess.
• Choose thin-cut bacon for even cooking and easier wrapping around chicken tenders.
• Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to avoid any potential choking hazards for guests.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that your paprika and garlic powder are certified gluten-free before using.

Variations to Try With Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Honey Glazed Bacon Chicken: Replace brown sugar with honey for a golden, sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
• Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup and add red pepper flakes for a sweet and fiery flavor profile.
• Ranch Bacon Chicken Tenders: Sprinkle dry ranch seasoning mix into the brown sugar coating for a tangy, herbal kick.
• Cajun Bacon Chicken: Mix Cajun seasoning with brown sugar to create a bold, zesty southern-style coating that adds extra warmth and complexity.

Pairing Suggestions for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Elevate Sweet-Savory Harmony: Pair these crispy, caramelized chicken tenders with a bright, zesty white wine like Riesling that complements the sweet and salty flavors.
• Refresh with Tangy Sides: Serve alongside a cool cucumber salad or coleslaw to balance the rich, sweet bacon-wrapped chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Smooth Dips: Create a creamy honey mustard or maple aioli for dipping, which enhances the brown sugar's sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor complexity.
• Match with Crisp Greens: Prepare a light arugula salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a peppery freshness to the meal.

Storage Guidelines for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350F. Arrange tenders on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place tenders on microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals. Check temperature and avoid overcooking to maintain crispy bacon texture.

FAQs for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even pork tenderloin. Just adjust cooking time based on the meat’s thickness.

• How do I prevent the bacon from burning?

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and keep an eye on the chicken tenders while baking. If the bacon starts to darken too quickly, cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

• Do I need to flip the chicken tenders during baking?

No, you don’t need to flip them. The bacon will crisp up nicely on its own, and the brown sugar mixture will caramelize evenly while baking.