There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when bacon and brown sugar come together; the sizzle is intoxicating, and the aroma wraps around you like a warm hug. I discovered this winning combination one evening after a particularly long day—I wanted something comforting yet exciting, something to shake off the fast-food fatigue. Enter these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, a dish that effortlessly transforms simple ingredients into a delightful feast.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken enveloped in crispy, caramelized bacon—a true crowd-pleaser that works perfectly for family dinners or game days with friends. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or culinary adventurers, this recipe is your new go-to. Plus, with options like swapping for turkey bacon or a variety of dipping sauces, you can make it your own without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into making a meal that promises both smiles and satisfied taste buds!
Why Is Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders So Irresistible?
Bold flavors: The winning combination of crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar creates an incredible depth of flavor that tantalizes your taste buds.
Quick to prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can serve a dish that feels indulgent yet is remarkably simple to make.
Family-friendly: Perfectly suited for both kids and adults, this recipe is a sure hit for family dinners or game days.
Versatile options: Feel free to swap turkey bacon or experiment with different dipping sauces to tailor the dish to your liking.
Crowd-pleaser: Impress your guests with these mouthwatering tenders that combine unique tastes and textures, ensuring you’ll never see leftovers!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – This main ingredient provides protein; you can substitute with chicken thighs for added juiciness.
• Thick-Cut Bacon – Adds a crispy texture and a smoky flavor; turkey bacon is a healthier alternative, though it may be less crispy.
For the Sweet Glaze
• Brown Sugar – Offers sweetness and caramelization; substitute with coconut sugar for a unique flavor twist.
• Paprika – This spice adds depth and mild spice to your dish.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall flavor; fresh garlic can be used for a bolder taste, but it reduces shelf life.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional) – Adds a kick of heat; adjust or omit according to your taste preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.
With these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders ingredients, you’re ready to create a dish that’s not just delicious—but unforgettable!
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a perfect cooking environment for your chicken tenders.
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Prepare Chicken: In a mixing bowl, coat the boneless skinless chicken breasts with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Ensure each tender is well-enveloped in the flavorful mixture.
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Wrap Chicken: Lightly cook the thick-cut bacon in a skillet until it’s partially crispy; this helps with the texture. Then, wrap each chicken tender completely with a bacon slice, securing it tightly.
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Bake: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon has turned crispy and golden brown.
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Rest Chicken: Once baked, remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring you enjoy each tender bite.
Optional: Serve with honey mustard or BBQ sauce for a delightful dip!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
The crispy, sweet, and savory nature of these tenders invites a delightful array of complementary flavors to create a memorable meal.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing balance to the dish.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks provide a delightful bread element, perfect for mopping up any dipping sauces.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies brings a delicious caramelization that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet glaze of the tenders.
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory chicken, adding a fun, crunchy texture to your plate.
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: Enhance the flavors by serving with honey mustard—a sweet, tangy option that complements the bacon’s smokiness.
- Classic Caesar Salad: The refreshing greens and creamy dressing offer a light contrast, helping to balance the richness of the tenders.
- Sparkling Lemonade: This citrusy drink brings a bright, bubbly effervescence that revitalizes your palate amid the savory flavors.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish your meal on a sweet note with freshly baked cookies—an almost universal dessert that balances the savory main.
- Craft Beer: A light lager or pale ale pairs wonderfully with the dish, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall experience.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, sweet contrast that harmonizes with the tenders’ flavor profile.
How to Store and Freeze Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Fridge: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re cooled down first to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Lay them flat to save space.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through, helping to restore the crispy texture.
Meal Prep: Consider batch cooking these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. They make a quick and satisfying meal option for busy weeknights!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Variations
Feel free to add your personal touch to these delicious tenders and make them truly yours!
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Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
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Coconut Sugar: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a unique, caramel-like flavor that’s a touch less sweet.
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Extra Spices: Add cayenne pepper for an added kick, or sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor. Spice it up as you like!
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Maple Glaze: Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup to create a sweet-and-savory glaze that delights your taste buds with a hint of warmth.
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Herbed Chicken: Blend in dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the sugar coating for an aromatic twist that elevates the dish.
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Crispy Breading: For a crunchy texture, dip the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs before baking.
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Sweet Heat: Mix in a dash of hot sauce with the brown sugar mixture for tangy heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet bacon glaze.
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Dipping Delights: Serve with a variety of sauces like chipotle mayo, sweet chili sauce, or a zesty ranch to complement the flavors and keep things exciting.
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken tenders by coating them with the brown sugar and spice mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply keep them covered in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor. Additionally, you can wrap the chicken tenders in partially cooked bacon a day before serving to save even more time. When you’re ready to enjoy this dish, just pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden. This method ensures your tenders remain just as delicious, making dinner simpler for busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
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Crispy Bacon Tip: Partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken. This step helps achieve that perfect crispiness without overcooking the chicken.
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Don’t Skip Resting: Allow your chicken tenders to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This crucial step ensures the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
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Check Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safe and delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders.
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Flavor Customization: Feel free to swap brown sugar for maple syrup or experiment with different spices. This flexibility allows you to make each batch unique and exciting!
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Perfect Dipping Ratio: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard to keep the flavors dynamic and enjoyable for all ages.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the main ingredient, providing lean protein. However, if you prefer a juicier option, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe too. Just ensure the pieces are cut into tender sizes for even cooking and flavor absorption.
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How should I store leftover Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Very simply! You can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just let them cool down before sealing them to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best results!
Can I freeze Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! To freeze these delicious tenders, place the cooled, cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Ensure you lay them flat to save space. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven until thoroughly heated, and they’ll taste just as wonderful!
What can I do if my chicken tenders are overcooked?
Oh no! If your chicken tends to come out dry, the key is to monitor the cooking time closely and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe and tender. If they do end up overcooked, consider pairing them with a generous side of dipping sauces to add moisture and flavor!
Are there any dietary considerations for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Definitely! For a slightly healthier twist, using turkey bacon can reduce some fat content, albeit with a potential trade-off in crunchiness. As always, if anyone in your group has allergies, ensure to check ingredients like spices and sauces. You can easily modify the recipe to fit dietary needs while keeping the deliciousness intact!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders That Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a perfect cooking environment for your chicken tenders.
- In a mixing bowl, coat the boneless skinless chicken breasts with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly cook the thick-cut bacon in a skillet until it's partially crispy; then, wrap each chicken tender completely with a bacon slice, securing it tightly.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.