Crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe: Sweet Hits

Crispy chicken tenders glazed with bacon brown sugar create a mouthwatering fusion of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your taste buds.

This irresistible recipe blends the smoky richness of bacon with the deep caramel notes of brown sugar.

Every tender gets coated in a delectable mixture that promises a golden, crisp exterior and succulent meat inside.

The combination delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary chicken dish into an extraordinary meal that feels like a culinary celebration.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch and a burst of deliciousness that elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Why Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders Are Irresistible

• Bacon and brown sugar create a mouthwatering sweet and savory explosion that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a culinary masterpiece.
• Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring anyone can achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
• Minimal prep work and fast cooking time mean you can whip up a delicious dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, making it ideal for busy families or casual gatherings.
• These tender bites work brilliantly as a main course, party appetizer, or game day snack, guaranteeing they'll be a hit for everything from weeknight dinners to game nights with friends.

What’s in Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of meat that serve as the base for this delicious dish.

• Brown Sugar, Salt, Pepper: A sweet and savory combination that creates a caramelized crust and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky layer that wraps around the chicken tenders, providing additional flavor and texture.

• Foil: Used to line the baking dish for easy cleanup and to help manage any drippings during cooking.

Making Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 375°F, getting it nice and toasty for some delicious baking action.

Step 2: Slice the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and slice them into tender-sized strips.

Pro hack: slightly frozen chicken makes cutting super smooth and precise.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Coating

• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Pepper

Toss everything together until each tender gets a delicious, even coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Wrap with Bacon

Take each chicken tender and lovingly wrap it in a spiraling bacon blanket.

Don’t stress about perfect wrapping – the baking magic will smooth out any imperfections.

Step 5: Set Up the Baking Dish

Line a baking dish with foil for easy cleanup.

Nestle the bacon-wrapped tenders seam-side down.

Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar on top for an extra caramelized punch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Keep an eye out for crispy bacon and fully cooked chicken.

For extra crispiness, give them a quick broil in the final minutes.

Pro Tips for Bacon Chicken Tenders

• Use slightly frozen chicken for cleaner, more precise cutting of tenders, ensuring uniform size and easier preparation.
• Thoroughly coat each tender in brown sugar to create a delectable caramelized crust that adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Spiral bacon around chicken tenders without excessive overlapping, allowing even crisping and full coverage.
• For extra crispy bacon, finish the dish under the broiler for a few minutes after initial baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Prepare tenders in advance and refrigerate before baking, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.

How to Store Chicken Tenders Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual tenders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place tenders on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange tenders on baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil last 2-3 minutes for crispy bacon.

What Pairs with Bacon Chicken Tenders

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with Complementary Companions
• Crisp Apple Slaw: Prepare a tangy, crunchy coleslaw with green apples to cut through the richness of the bacon-wrapped chicken, adding a refreshing contrast that balances the sweet and savory notes.
• Southern Sweet Tea Cocktail: Mix bourbon with sweet tea and a splash of lemon, creating a Southern-inspired drink that echoes the caramelized brown sugar and enhances the chicken's smoky undertones.
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Whip creamy potatoes with roasted garlic, providing a smooth, velvety side that absorbs the chicken's delicious bacon drippings and complements its sweet-salty profile.
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Char asparagus spears and sprinkle with lemon zest, offering a bright, slightly bitter vegetable that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, sweet chicken tenders.

Tasty Takes on Chicken Tenders

• Keto-Friendly Bacon Wrap: Replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to maintain the caramelized flavor while keeping carbs low.
• Spicy Chili Bacon Chicken: Sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper into the brown sugar coating for a fiery kick that adds depth and heat to the original recipe.
• Herb-Infused Bacon Tenders: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning into the brown sugar rub to create a more complex and aromatic chicken dish.
• Dairy-Free Protein Option: Use turkey bacon instead of traditional pork bacon for those avoiding pork or seeking a leaner protein alternative that still delivers crispy texture.

FAQs

• Why wrap chicken tenders in bacon?

Bacon adds incredible flavor, keeps chicken moist, and creates a delicious crispy exterior that elevates the entire dish. The fat from bacon helps prevent the chicken from drying out during cooking.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even chicken strips. Just ensure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.

• Do I need to use thick-cut bacon?

Regular bacon works perfectly fine. Thick-cut bacon will take slightly longer to crisp up, so you might need to extend cooking time by a few minutes. Thin bacon will crisp faster and create a lighter wrap.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare these tenders ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to eat. They reheat well and make an excellent make-ahead lunch or dinner option for busy weeks.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders deliver sweet and savory magic on a single plate. Crispy, caramelized edges and rich flavor combinations guarantee delightful dining moments you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 strips thick-cut bacon

Sweetener:

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F to create an ideal environment for crispy bacon and juicy chicken tenders.
2. Transform chicken breasts into uniform tenders by slicing lengthwise, utilizing slightly frozen meat for precise cutting.
3. Create a flavor foundation by thoroughly coating chicken tenders with brown sugar, salt, and pepper, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Enrobe each tender with a spiraling bacon wrap, carefully positioning the meat to maximize caramelization and prevent excessive overlapping.
5. Arrange bacon-wrapped tenders in a foil-lined baking dish, positioning them seam-side down and sprinkling remaining brown sugar for enhanced caramelization.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches optimal internal temperature and bacon achieves a golden, crisp texture, potentially finishing under the broiler for extra crunchiness.

Notes

• Effortlessly slice chicken when slightly frozen for clean, even cuts that make preparation smoother and faster.
• Ensure complete bacon coverage by spiraling carefully, allowing each tender to get that perfect crispy exterior without leaving any bare spots.
• For low-carb options, replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative or use a light sprinkle of smoked paprika to maintain flavor complexity without added sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg