Irresistible Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

The moment you sink your teeth into Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, your taste buds will dance with joy. Imagine crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze, all while the aroma of smoky bacon fills the kitchen. savory chicken linguine with cowboy butter It’s like a party for your senses, and trust me, you’ll want to be front and center.

I still remember the first time I made these tenders for my friends during a weekend get-together. Their delighted reactions were priceless, and let’s just say, I may have single-handedly increased my social standing that night. sweet potato hash for cozy mornings Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, these tenders are perfect for any occasion when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The ease of preparation makes this dish a weeknight favorite
  • The flavor profile combines savory and sweet perfectly for an unforgettable bite
  • Visually, the golden-brown color is irresistible and appealing on any plate
  • Versatile enough for sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone dish, they fit any meal plan

Whenever I make these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, my family can’t help but cheer with excitement. cheesy stuffed flank steak.

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on your hungry crowd.

  • Bacon: Go for thick-cut bacon; it’ll add that extra crunch and flavor.

  • Brown Sugar: This sweet ingredient creates that caramelized glaze we all love.

  • Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile.

  • Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth; it’s like giving your chicken a cozy blanket of flavor.

  • Salt & Pepper: Simple essentials for seasoning—don’t skip them!

For the Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced.

  • Honey: Adding honey brings a touch more sweetness and stickiness to the glaze.

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

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper—this makes cleanup easier than trying to catch confetti after a party. Lay out your chicken breasts on one side of the sheet.

Prepare your bacon strips by cutting them into small pieces. Cook those delightful morsels in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. When they’re done, drain off some grease but leave enough to keep things flavorful.

In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix is where the magic begins. Once mixed evenly, coat each chicken breast with this heavenly blend.

Drizzle some soy sauce over the chicken before topping them with those crispy bacon bits—because why not add more bacon? Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

When you pull those tenders from the oven, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will be temptation incarnate!

Serve these juicy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside roasted veggies; either way, they’ll steal the show at dinner time! turkey melt sliders with cranberry aioli.

You Must Know

  • Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for weeknight dinners or parties
  • The crispy texture paired with the sticky glaze creates an irresistible dish that everyone will love
  • Plus, they are quick to prepare, making them a go-to recipe when time is tight

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken tenders in a mixture of brown sugar and spices. Sear them until golden brown before finishing in the oven to lock in moisture and flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Adding some cayenne pepper can spice things up too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness and flavor, about 10 minutes at 350°F.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Ensure even cooking by cutting all chicken pieces to similar sizes
  • Avoid overcrowding your pan while searing; it helps achieve that perfect crispy crust
  • Don’t skip marinating; it enhances flavor and tenderness significantly

Sharing this recipe with friends led to a fun cook-off where everyone tried their twist on these tenders, resulting in laughter and tasty memories.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but thaw them completely before marinating for best results.

What can I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

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

Consider pairing them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for balance.

How can I make these tenders healthier?

Try baking instead of frying and use less sugar in the marinade for a lighter option.

Print
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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders


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  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4 (based on serving size of one tender per person) 1x

Description

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your family. Coated in a sticky glaze and complemented by crispy bacon, these tenders offer an irresistible crunch that will have everyone coming back for more. Quick to prepare and versatile enough for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess grease but leave some for flavor.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Coat each chicken breast with the brown sugar mixture.
  5. Drizzle soy sauce over the chicken and top with crispy bacon bits.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tender (100g)
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.