Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food. Imagine crispy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory glaze that dances on your taste buds, leaving you craving more. savory chicken linguine recipe The aroma of bacon wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees, right? sweet potato hash recipe. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
This recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter and good food filled the air. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive get-together, these chicken tenders are sure to steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds. cheesy stuffed flank steak.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The delightful balance of sweet brown sugar and smoky bacon creates a flavor explosion
- Visually, these tenders are golden and irresistible, making them a hit with both kids and adults
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they serve well as appetizers or main dishes
One time, I made these chicken tenders for a friend’s birthday party and they vanished faster than you can say “bacon.” Everyone was raving about them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts to satisfy everyone’s cravings; adjust based on your guest list.
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Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for that extra crunch and smoky flavor; it makes all the difference.
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Brown Sugar: Opt for light brown sugar for its subtle caramel notes that complement the bacon perfectly.
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Garlic Powder: This adds a lovely depth of flavor; freshly ground gives an even better kick.
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Smoked Paprika: For an extra layer of smokiness; trust me, it takes these tenders to another level.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors; don’t skip this part!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Prepare the Chicken: Cut your chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to devour.
Season Generously: In a bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat your chicken strips thoroughly in this mixture to pack in flavor.
Wrap in Bacon: Take each seasoned chicken strip and wrap it in a slice of bacon. Secure with toothpicks if necessary—who doesn’t love bacon hugs?
Create the Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar with any remaining seasoning mix. Sprinkle this heavenly concoction over your wrapped chicken strips.
Bake Until Golden: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on your baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Enjoy the irresistible smell filling your kitchen!
Now you have made Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders that are sure to impress! Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them straight off the tray while they’re still sizzling—no judgment here! turkey melt sliders.
You Must Know
- Bacon brown sugar chicken tenders are a game changer for weeknight dinners
- The sweet and savory combo creates a delightful explosion of flavors that is sure to impress everyone at the table
- Plus, they come together so quickly, you’ll feel like a culinary wizard!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For optimal results, start by marinating the chicken tenders in a blend of bacon grease and brown sugar. While they soak up those flavors, preheat your oven to 400°F, ensuring everything cooks evenly and deliciously.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different twist. Adding crushed red pepper flakes can also spice things up if you enjoy some heat with your sweetness!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, keeping that crispy texture intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality chicken for best flavor
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking; this helps achieve that perfect crispy finish
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute for more tender bites
Cooking these bacon brown sugar chicken tenders reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air while everyone devoured them in record time! For more inspiration, check out this country ranch green beans with bacon recipe.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to your dish.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes to one hour for maximum flavor absorption.
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep them ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tenders) 1x
Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them a crowd-pleasing comfort food. Crispy chicken tenders wrapped in smoky bacon and drizzled with a brown sugar glaze create an irresistible dish that’s ideal for family dinners or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut chicken breasts into tender-sized strips.
- In a bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken strips with this mixture.
- Wrap each seasoned strip in a slice of bacon and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Mix remaining seasoning with brown sugar and sprinkle over the bacon-wrapped chicken strips.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner/Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
