There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory. Picture this: crispy chicken tenders, golden brown and glazed with a sticky-sweet brown sugar sauce, all jazzed up with the rich, smoky flavor of bacon. Parmesan crusted chicken Trust me, your taste buds are already doing a happy dance, and they haven’t even met these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders yet. breakfast sliders with bacon For more inspiration, check out this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe recipe.

Now imagine serving these tantalizing bites at your next family gathering or casual Friday night dinner. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone wandering in like moths to a flame, their mouths watering in anticipation of that first delicious bite. hearty stovetop chili You’ll be the culinary superstar of the evening, and I’m here to help you get there!

I once made these tenders for my niece’s birthday party, and you would think I had just revealed the secrets of the universe. Kids were literally begging for seconds, and one little guy even tried to negotiate a trade of his birthday cupcake for another tender. Let’s just say it was a hit!

this recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many guests you’re feeding.

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for added richness; it crisps beautifully while infusing flavor into the chicken.

• Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for a balanced sweetness that complements the savory elements perfectly.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have spice that adds depth; fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling fancy.

• Paprika: I prefer smoked paprika here to add a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every component of this mouthwatering recipe.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness on the outside of the chicken.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips or tenders; uniformity helps with even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.

Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and let it cool before chopping it into tiny bits that will sprinkle joy onto our tenders.

Make Sauce: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. It should resemble a sweet sandy mixture with robust aromas wafting up.

Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender in olive oil before coating it generously with your sweet spice mix and chopped bacon bits; make sure every nook and cranny gets some love.

Bake: Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking dish in a single layer—no crowding allowed! Bake them in your preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve & Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, let them cool slightly before serving. You can pair these tasty bites with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are!

And there you have it! Your very own batch of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders ready to wow your friends and family. Each bite delivers that sweet-savory goodness paired with crispy textures that’ll leave everyone asking for your secret recipe—shhh…we’ll keep it between us! comforting chicken noodle soup.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken tenders in brown sugar and bacon seasoning before searing them for maximum flavor. Then, bake until they reach a golden-brown perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different twist. You can also add spices like paprika or garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for about 10 minutes for optimal crispiness.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my friend’s BBQ where everyone went wild over these tenders. The laughter and joy made it extra special!

FAQ

What is the best way to serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

For more inspiration, check out this Country Ranch Green Beans with Bacon recipe.

Serve these tenders with dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue for extra flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure they’re fully thawed before marinating and cooking them.

How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days when properly sealed.

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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

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• Author: Hellen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders deliver a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that will tantalize your taste buds. These crispy, golden tenders are glazed with a sticky brown sugar sauce and enhanced by the rich flavor of thick-cut bacon. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, these tenders are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch and an explosion of flavors, making them a must-try dish for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Cut chicken breasts into strips; pat dry with paper towels.
3. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then chop into bits.
4. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Coat chicken strips in olive oil followed by the brown sugar mixture and chopped bacon.
6. Arrange on the baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 tenders (150g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg