If you are searching for a unique way to elevate a simple weeknight dinner, the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe is an absolute gem that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Combining the irresistible sweetness of brown sugar with the smoky, salty goodness of crispy bacon, these chicken tenders are juicy, flavor-packed, and impressively easy to make. Perfectly balanced with garlic and paprika, this dish brings a comforting flair that your family and guests will rave about. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe promises a delicious experience that’s fun to prepare and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors just right is easy with a handful of key ingredients that each play a starring role in making this dish unforgettable. These simple components combine to create a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes, while also ensuring a beautiful color and texture on the finished chicken tenders.
- 1 lb chicken tenders: The tender, lean base that cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavors effortlessly.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the savory bacon.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle earthiness and vibrant color to the seasoning mix.
- 6 slices bacon: Crisps up beautifully around the chicken, adding smoky saltiness and satisfying crunch.
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly heated oven is crucial for getting that perfect balance between crispy bacon exterior and juicy chicken interior.
Step 2: Prepare the Brown Sugar Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. This blend will sprinkle a sweet and mildly spicy glaze over your chicken tenders, layering every bite with that signature flavor of the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken Tenders with Bacon
Take each chicken tender and wrap it snugly with a slice of bacon. This wrapping not only seals in moisture but ensures the smoky essence of bacon infuses the chicken as it cooks.
Step 4: Arrange and Sprinkle
Place the bacon-wrapped tenders evenly in a baking dish. Then, generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture all over the tenders, allowing every piece to catch some of that magical coating.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon, ensuring it crisps just right while the chicken cooks through and remains succulent. The caramelized brown sugar will create a luscious glaze that makes the tenders stunningly delicious.
Step 6: Serve and Celebrate
Once freshly baked, serve these delights immediately to enjoy the wonderful contrast of crispy bacon and tender chicken, elevated by sweet and savory highlights. This final step is a chance to savor your hard work and generosity in the kitchen.
How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled over the top add a pop of color and fresh aroma that brightens the dish, balancing the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a crisp salad to introduce some lightness alongside the bold flavors of the bacon and brown sugar combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, thread the chicken tenders onto skewers for an easy-to-handle appetizer. Alternatively, serve them alongside a dipping sauce like honey mustard or a tangy barbecue reduction to amplify the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bacon brown sugar chicken tenders can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to three days. Keeping them chilled preserves the flavors and texture until you’re ready for that tasty second serve.
Freezing
If you want to keep these flavorful tenders longer, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to one month without losing their delicious appeal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) to help maintain the bacon’s crispness without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving if possible since it can make the bacon chewy and the chicken rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can cut chicken breasts into strips to mimic tenders. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Is it okay to substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?
While you can use white sugar, brown sugar adds a richer, molasses undertone that’s key to the signature flavor of the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe, so it’s best to stick with brown sugar if possible.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, the air fryer is an excellent tool for this recipe. Cook at about 375°F for 15-20 minutes, checking until the bacon crisps and the chicken reaches a safe temperature.
What kind of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon gives you the best contrast—crispy outside and meaty inside—while regular bacon works well too. Just ensure it’s not too fatty to avoid excess grease.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Certainly! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your brown sugar mix will bring a lovely spicy kick that pairs harmoniously with the sweet and smoky flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is deeply satisfying to eat. Each bite brings joy with its perfect sweetness, smoky crunch, and tender juiciness. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—whether for a family dinner or an exciting gathering—and watch it become one of your go-to favorites in no time.
Print
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a deliciously sweet and savory dish featuring juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a flavorful brown sugar, garlic, and paprika mixture. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your craving for comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 6 slices bacon
Seasoning Mix
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the chicken tenders evenly.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create a sweet and savory spice blend.
- Wrap Chicken Tenders: Take each chicken tender and carefully wrap it with a slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon is snug around the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders evenly in a baking dish, leaving space between each piece to allow air circulation for even cooking.
- Apply Seasoning: Sprinkle the prepared brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders to create a caramelized coating as they bake.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your sweet and savory crispy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders!
Notes
- Ensure chicken tenders are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooking.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake before serving for best flavor and texture.
