The aroma of sizzling chicken drizzled with a sweet, sticky glaze wafts through the kitchen, making your stomach rumble louder than a freight train. Imagine biting into juicy chicken tenders coated with a delicious mixture of crispy bacon and brown sugar, each bite melting in your mouth like a warm hug from an old friend. delicious chicken melt recipe.
This Bacon Brown Sugar BBQ chicken mac and cheese-pinwheels-recipe-to-try-now/”>perfect appetizer pairing The irresistible flavors will have everyone coming back for more, leaving only crumbs behind and memories of pure delight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These chicken tenders are incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavor profile combines savory bacon and sweet brown sugar for an unforgettable taste experience
- Their golden-brown appearance is sure to impress on any dinner table
- Versatile enough for serving as appetizers or main courses, these tenders fit any occasion perfectly
I remember the first time I made these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. My kids gobbled them up faster than I could say “dinner’s ready,” proving that this dish is an instant family favorite. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Potato Bacon Chowder recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal tenderness; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
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Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness; this is where the magic happens.
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Brown Sugar: Opt for light brown sugar to balance the savory notes of the bacon beautifully.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have that brings depth to the flavor; fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling fancy.
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Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky flavor; feel free to experiment with regular paprika if that’s what you have.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings elevate every bite; don’t skimp on this step.
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Olive Oil: A bit of oil helps everything crisp up nicely in the oven; it’s essential for that golden finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
This is where the fun begins! Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into cooking these scrumptious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders.
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly while developing that beautiful crispy exterior.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Pat dry the boneless chicken breasts with paper towels. This helps achieve maximum crispiness when baking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Wrap Each Tender in Bacon: Take slices of bacon and wrap them snugly around each chicken tender. Overlapping slightly will ensure they stay wrapped during cooking, creating a delightful crispy shell.
Mix the Sweet Glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika to create a sweet spice mix. This mixture will coat your bacon-wrapped tenders beautifully.
Coat the Chicken Tenders: Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture until fully coated. You can use your hands; just be prepared for some sticky fun!
Bake Until Golden and Crispy: Place the coated tenders on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
These steps will guide you through making those mouthwatering Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders perfectly every time! Enjoy watching them transform into delicious bites right before your eyes!
You Must Know
- Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they’re a flavor explosion
- The sweet and savory balance creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby
- Perfect for dinner or as a party snack, these tenders will have you counting down the minutes until they’re ready
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken tenders in a hot skillet first to lock in juices. Then, coat them in the brown sugar mixture and bake until crispy perfection is achieved.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter option or try different spices like smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for crispiness or microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh chicken tenders rather than frozen ones for the best texture and flavor
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that golden crust
- Lastly, don’t skip the resting time after baking; it enhances juiciness
Nothing beats that moment when I served these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders at a family gathering, and everyone kept asking for seconds! It was pure joy seeing them devour every last bite.
FAQ
Can I make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Try pairing them with coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a delicious meal.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe and fully cooked.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, coated with a caramelized brown sugar glaze, create an irresistible dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these tenders will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Wrap each chicken tender in bacon, overlapping slightly.
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Roll wrapped chicken tenders in the brown sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Place on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender (100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg




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