Quick Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe That Dazzles

Tender chicken strips dance with a sweet and savory bacon brown sugar glaze that turns ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary magic.

Crispy, caramelized edges hint at the flavor explosion waiting on your plate.

The combination of smoky bacon and rich brown sugar creates an irresistible coating that seals in moisture and delivers maximum taste.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between salty and sweet sensations.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that comes together in minutes.

Serve these golden-brown chicken tenders alongside your favorite sides for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be the dinner hero with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms humble chicken into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Bacon and brown sugar transform ordinary chicken tenders into an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe perfect for busy families looking for a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Serve these tenders as a main course, appetizer, or party snack that suits multiple dining scenarios from family dinners to game day gatherings.
• The sweet and salty combination creates a mouthwatering taste profile that balances richness with a delightful caramelized coating.

Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Bacon Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base for this delicious recipe.
• Bacon Strips: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the chicken tenders.

• Brown Sugar: Provides a sweet caramelized coating that balances the savory bacon.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

All the Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Bacon Tenders

• Baking Dish: Large, rectangular dish for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing chicken breasts into uniform strips.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safely preparing chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining brown sugar and seasoning.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling raw chicken and arranging bacon-wrapped strips.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for salt and pepper.

Step-by-Step: Making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

This warm environment will help transform your chicken into a crispy, caramelized masterpiece.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Strips

Grab your chicken breasts and slice them into long, elegant strips.

Aim for about 4 even strips per chicken breast to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 3: Create Flavor Coating

• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the chicken strips in this sweet and spicy blend, making sure each piece gets a generous coating of flavor.

Step 4: Bacon Wrapping Adventure

Take each sugar-coated chicken strip and lovingly wrap it with a slice of bacon.

Think of it like tucking the chicken into a crispy, salty blanket.

Arrange these wrapped strips in a baking dish.

Step 5: Extra Flavor Boost

Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped chicken.

This will create a delicious caramelized crust during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

• Crispy bacon edges
• Golden brown color
• Chicken cooked through (no pink in the center)

Once done, the chicken will be juicy inside with a crackling sweet-savory exterior.

Top Tips for Crispy, Sweet Chicken Tenders

• Wrap bacon snugly around chicken strips without overlapping too much to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
• Sprinkle brown sugar mixture lightly to avoid burning, creating a perfect caramelized glaze without becoming bitter.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and juicy results.
• Pat chicken and bacon with paper towels before seasoning to reduce extra moisture and achieve crispier coating.
• Add smoked paprika or chili flakes to brown sugar mix for a subtle kick and enhanced flavor profile.

Bacon Chicken Tenders: Creative Flavor Combos

• Vegetarian Veggie Strips: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, using smoky tempeh bacon for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the original recipe's sweet and savory profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular brown sugar with coconut sugar and use gluten-free bacon to create a celiac-friendly version of the dish without compromising flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add chili powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika to the brown sugar mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold, fiery meal.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute brown sugar with a zero-carb sweetener like erythritol and use sugar-free bacon to create a keto-friendly chicken tender that fits strict macronutrient requirements.

Serving Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders for Any Occasion

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these delectable tenders on a large wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights or social gatherings.
• Dipping Delights: Create a tangy maple-mustard sauce or a creamy ranch dressing to complement the sweet and salty flavors of the bacon-wrapped chicken.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair with roasted sweet potato wedges or a crisp apple coleslaw to balance the rich, caramelized bacon and brown sugar coating.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a decadent weekend breakfast that will impress family and friends.

Storing Bacon Chicken Tenders Safely and Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping chicken and bacon crisp and fresh in the coolest part of the refrigerator.
• Carefully wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, which preserves the dish for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F, arrange chicken tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to maintain crispiness and prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It’s a sweet and savory dish with brown sugar and bacon, creating a mild and balanced flavor profile.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Chicken tenders or chicken breast strips work best. Avoid using whole chicken breasts as they won’t cook evenly with the bacon wrapping technique.

• Do I need to use thick-cut bacon?

Regular bacon works fine. However, thick-cut bacon can provide a more robust texture and help prevent the bacon from becoming too crispy or burning during baking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your brown sugar and bacon are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling bacon brown sugar chicken tenders combine sweet and savory flavors for an irresistible meal. Crispy edges and caramelized glaze promise delightful bites you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 strips of bacon

Sugar and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring even temperature distribution.
2. Transform chicken breasts into elongated, slender strips, aiming for uniform thickness.
3. Create a flavor-enhancing blend of brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel.
4. Thoroughly coat each chicken strip with the sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Meticulously envelop each seasoned chicken strip with a crisp bacon slice, securing the flavor profile.
6. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken in a baking dish, maintaining slight separation between pieces.
7. Generously dust any remaining sugar mixture over the assembled chicken strips for additional caramelization.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until bacon achieves a golden, crispy texture and chicken reaches perfect doneness.
9. Remove from oven and allow a brief resting period to help juices redistribute, enhancing overall succulence.

Notes

• Crisp bacon requires placing chicken strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow excess fat to drip and ensure even browning.
• Adjust sugar quantity for diabetic or low-sugar diets by substituting with monk fruit sweetener or reducing amount by half.
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk beforehand to guarantee extra tenderness and prevent dryness during baking.
• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunchier texture, which creates a more satisfying eating experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg