Irresistible Sweet Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Tender chicken strips dancing with brown sugar glaze create a mouthwatering sweet bacon chicken tenders experience that will make taste buds sing.

Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch to these delectable morsels.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors promises a delightful meal that comes together quickly.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and smoky richness.

Succulent chicken absorbs the rich brown sugar marinade, creating an irresistible coating.

Simple ingredients transform into an impressive dish that looks like it took hours to prepare.

You won’t believe how easy it is to make this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Go Into Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender protein cuts that create the foundation of the dish, select fresh and evenly sized tenders for consistent cooking.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the chicken's natural flavor, opt for fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the meat, freshly ground provides more robust taste.

• Brown Sugar: Brings caramelized sweetness and creates a crispy exterior, choose dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Bacon: Provides smoky crunch and rich umami notes, select thick-cut bacon for maximum texture.
• Paprika: Introduces mild smokiness and beautiful reddish color, use sweet or smoked variety based on preference.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory undertones, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
• Onion Powder: Contributes subtle aromatic depth, look for high-quality pure powder.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates golden sear and prevents sticking, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking during baking, choose unbleached variety.

Tools for Sweet-and-Smoky Chicken Success

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps caramelize the coating.
• Skillet: Medium-sized pan for searing chicken tenders to golden perfection.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining brown sugar and bacon coating.
• Cutting Board: For chopping bacon into small, crispy pieces.
• Sharp Knife: To finely chop bacon and prepare ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning and coating measurements.
• Tongs: To handle and flip chicken tenders during searing and coating.

How to Bake or Fry Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

• Crank Up the Heat

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s primed and ready for some sizzling chicken action.

• Bacon Blast-Off

Crisp up that bacon until it’s crackling with flavor. Chop it into tiny bits that’ll add an epic crunch to your chicken tenders.

• Create the Coating

Grab a mixing bowl and blend brown sugar with spices. Sprinkle in those crumbled bacon pieces, creating a sweet-savory symphony that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Sear and Prep

Dash some salt and pepper on your chicken tenders. Sizzle them in a hot skillet with a splash of oil, turning golden and developing a killer exterior in just a few minutes.

• Layer on the Goodness

Generously blanket each tender with the bacon-sugar mixture. Ensure every inch is covered in deliciousness, creating a mouthwatering armor of flavor.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide those tenders onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating caramelizes into a glossy, irresistible crust.

• Feast and Celebrate

Allow the tenders to rest briefly, then serve up this flavor explosion. Pair with your favorite sides and get ready for a taste sensation that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for the Right Balance of Sweet and Savory

• Pat chicken tenders completely dry before seasoning to help the coating adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch and more robust flavor in the coating mixture.
• Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a wheat-free version of this recipe.
• Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the sweet flavor profile.
• Prepare the bacon brown sugar coating mixture up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container to save time during meal preparation.

How to Serve These Flavor-Packed Tenders

• Dazzling Dip Delights: Create a stunning side of honey mustard or maple bourbon sauce to complement the sweet and savory chicken tenders, enhancing each bite with extra flavor layers.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the tenders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces, fresh herbs like parsley, and lemon wedges for a gorgeous presentation that'll impress guests.
• Balanced Bite Companions: Serve alongside crisp coleslaw, roasted asparagus, or garlic-roasted sweet potato wedges to balance the rich, sweet-smoky chicken tenders with fresh and light side dishes.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform these tenders into a weekend brunch star by placing them atop a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic reduction, creating an elegant and satisfying meal.

Storage Tips That Keep Tenders Juicy

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated tenders stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture when sealed properly.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken tenders remain delectable for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated tenders in the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes. This method restores crispy coating and prevents moisture loss. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain original crunchiness and flavor.
• Prepare chicken tenders in advance and portion into meal-sized containers. Ideal for quick lunches or fast weeknight dinners. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking and organization.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into tender-sized strips and follow the same recipe steps.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply ensure the bacon and spices you use are certified gluten-free and check the ingredients carefully.

• Can I prepare the coating mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the brown sugar and bacon coating ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days before using.

Sweet Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders combine sweet and savory flavors in a mouthwatering dish that delights family dinner tables. Crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar create an irresistible coating you cannot resist trying on succulent chicken tenders.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
• 8–10 slices bacon
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and position a rack in the center for even cooking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Bacon Transformation: Crisp the bacon in a skillet until golden and thoroughly cooked. Finely chop the rendered bacon into delicate, crunchy bits that will infuse the dish with smoky depth.
3. Flavor Fusion: Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl. Fold the chopped bacon into the spice mixture, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory elements.
4. Chicken Prepping: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Quickly sear in a hot skillet with olive oil to develop a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
5. Coating and Baking: Generously coat each tender with the bacon-sugar mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between tenders for optimal heat circulation.
6. Final Roasting: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the coating caramelizes to a rich, glistening finish and the chicken reaches perfect internal temperature. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and coating to set.

Notes

• Bacon Crispness Control: Ensure bacon is thoroughly cooked and finely chopped to provide maximum crunch and flavor distribution without large chunks that might burn.
• Sugar Caramelization Technique: Monitor oven temperature closely to prevent burning, as brown sugar can quickly transform from golden to bitter if overheated.
• Moisture Preservation Hack: Sear chicken tenders briefly before baking to lock in juices, creating a tender interior while developing a crispy exterior coating.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all spices are certified gluten-free and replace any potential gluten-containing ingredients for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg