There’s something magical about the combination of bacon and brown sugar that dances on your taste buds like a Broadway show. Imagine crispy chicken tenders, coated in a sweet and savory glaze, bringing together those two culinary powerhouses. savory breakfast sliders It’s a flavor explosion that makes even the pickiest eaters do a happy dance at the dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe recipe.
Picture this: you’re hosting a gathering, and the aroma of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders wafts through your home. Friends and family gather around, their mouths watering in anticipation. perfect pairing with chicken tenders This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with laughter, satisfying crunches, and possibly some serious finger-lickin’ moments. cozy cheeseburger soup.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to make, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The sweet and smoky flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds
- They look fantastic on any plate, thanks to their glossy glaze and crispy edges
- Perfect for game day or casual get-togethers, these tenders are versatile enough for any occasion
I once made these chicken tenders for my nephew’s birthday party, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than you can say “seconds!” The laughter and joy were priceless as everyone raced to grab another piece.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
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Bacon Strips: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor; it makes a significant difference.
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Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for sweetness without overwhelming flavors; it caramelizes beautifully.
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Garlic Powder: Skip fresh garlic here; garlic powder infuses the chicken evenly with its robust flavor.
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Smoked Paprika: This adds a delightful smokiness that complements the bacon perfectly; you’ll want to use this!
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings; don’t skip them! They elevate the dish’s overall taste.
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Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps the sugar create that glorious caramelized crust.
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). While it heats up, grab a baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations later on.
Prepare the Chicken: Cut your chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. You want them uniform for even cooking—no one likes an undercooked piece in the middle!
Create the Bacon Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until blended nicely—this is where the magic begins.
Wrap It Up!: Take each chicken strip and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon. Secure them with toothpicks if needed; we don’t want those little guys losing their bacon blanket during baking!
Add Some Flavor Boosters: Drizzle olive oil over the wrapped chicken tenders before placing them in your prepared baking dish—this ensures they cook evenly while achieving that gorgeous golden color.
Bake Until Perfection!: Place those beauties in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will smell downright heavenly!
Once baked to perfection, let them rest for about five minutes before serving—if you can resist! Serve these tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce or simply enjoy them as they are.
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders promise an unforgettable meal that brings people together over delicious flavors. Enjoy every juicy bite!
You Must Know
- Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful mix of sweet and savory
- The caramelization from the brown sugar brings a crunch, while the bacon adds smoky depth
- You can make them in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or last-minute guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Sear the chicken tenders wrapped in bacon on the stove for a few minutes before transferring them to bake, ensuring crispy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner option or add spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warm and slightly crisp again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For crispy bacon, ensure the tenders are well-wrapped and not overcrowded on the baking sheet
- Using an instant-read thermometer helps check doneness without guesswork
- Letting chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy and flavorful!
The first time I made Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, my friends devoured them within minutes! Their laughter filled my kitchen as they begged for seconds—and thirds! For more inspiration, check out this Country Ranch Green Beans with Bacon recipe.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, but adjust cooking time as breasts may take longer to cook through.
What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
Great options include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for balance. spicy chicken chili options.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F for safety and juiciness.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a deliciously addictive dish that combines crispy, savory bacon with a sweet brown sugar glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, these tenders promise an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for more. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform strips.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each chicken strip tightly with a slice of bacon and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Drizzle olive oil over the wrapped chicken tenders and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Allow to rest for five minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
