Easy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders for Dinner

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender chicken wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, all glazed with a sweet caramelized layer of brown sugar. Sounds irresistible, right? That’s exactly what these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders deliver. They’re perfect for dinner, game nights, or even as an appetizer for your next gathering. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection!

This recipe combines the savory flavor of bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a magical pairing that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is ready in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, these chicken tenders will steal the show. Let’s dive into the story and tips behind this must-try dish!

The Story Behind Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

There’s something nostalgic about bacon-wrapped anything, isn’t there? Growing up, my mom would make bacon-wrapped appetizers for holidays, and they were always the first to disappear. That’s where the idea for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders was born. I wanted to recreate those memories but give them a hearty twist that could stand as a dinner dish.

Chicken tenders are such a versatile protein, and pairing them with bacon adds a smoky, indulgent element. The brown sugar glaze? That’s the “wow” factor! As it bakes, the sugar caramelizes, creating a sticky, golden crust that balances the saltiness of the bacon perfectly. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

While this dish doesn’t have specific cultural origins, it does feel deeply American—like something you’d find at a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner. It’s also a great seasonal dish because it works year-round. In summer, serve them with a crisp green salad or corn on the cob. In winter, pair them with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. No matter the season, these chicken tenders will always bring smiles to the table!

Ingredients: Choosing the Best

The magic of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders lies in the quality of the ingredients. Here’s a detailed guide to picking and preparing each component:

• Chicken Tenders: Fresh or frozen chicken tenders work well here. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them completely before wrapping them in bacon. Look for tenders with a consistent thickness for even cooking. Organic or free-range chicken tenders are a great choice for better flavor and texture.
• Bacon: Thin-cut bacon is ideal for this recipe because it crisps up nicely without overpowering the chicken. You can use smoked, maple-flavored, or even turkey bacon if you prefer. Avoid thick-cut bacon as it takes longer to cook and may end up chewy.
• Brown Sugar: Choose light brown sugar for a subtle caramel flavor or dark brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses as a substitution.
• Seasonings: A simple blend of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper adds depth without complicating the dish. Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste!

For added flair, you can sprinkle a touch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a hint of heat. And if you’ve got dietary restrictions, turkey bacon or a sugar substitute like coconut sugar can work beautifully.

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s the gear you’ll need to whip up these tasty chicken tenders:

• Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is essential to catch any drippings from the bacon.
• Wire Rack: Elevating the chicken tenders on a wire rack helps them cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Tongs: These make flipping and handling the chicken tenders a breeze.
• Small Bowl: For mixing your seasonings and brown sugar.

If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the chicken directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. Just be sure to flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. And if you’re on a budget, most of these tools are inexpensive and easy to find at your local kitchen store or online.

Preparation Method

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top if you have one.
2. Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup (50g) of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
3. Wrap the chicken: Take each chicken tender and wrap it tightly with a strip of bacon. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.
4. Coat with sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture generously over each bacon-wrapped tender, pressing lightly to help it stick.
5. Bake: Place the tenders on the wire rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bacon should be crispy, and the sugar caramelized.
6. Cool slightly: Let the tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Pro Tip: If the brown sugar isn’t caramelizing as much as you’d like, broil the tenders for 2-3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some helpful tips to make your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between each tender so the bacon crisps up evenly.
• Use room-temperature chicken: This ensures even cooking and prevents the bacon from overcooking before the chicken is done.
• Monitor the sugar: Brown sugar can burn quickly, so keep an eye on your tenders in the final minutes of baking.
• Toothpick trick: If your bacon keeps unraveling, secure it with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving!
• Multitasking: While the chicken is in the oven, whip up a quick side dish like mashed potatoes or a salad to save time.

Trust me, once you’ve mastered these tips, making this recipe will feel like second nature!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun and tasty variations for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:

• Spicy Kick: Mix cayenne or chili powder into the brown sugar for a sweet-and-spicy flavor.
• Maple Bacon: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup. Brush it on the bacon-wrapped chicken for a sticky, maple-glazed finish.
• Herb-Infused: Add dried thyme or rosemary to the seasoning for a fragrant twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bacon and ensure your seasoning doesn’t contain hidden gluten.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free substitute like erythritol or coconut sugar.

I once tried adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the tenders before baking, and it was a hit! Experiment and see what works for your family’s palate.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These chicken tenders are best served warm, right out of the oven. Here’s how to present and store them:

• Serving Ideas: Pair with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce, or serve alongside roasted veggies and mashed potatoes for a complete meal. A crisp green salad or cornbread also works beautifully.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon soggy.
• Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Fun fact: The flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers even tastier!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown for one tender:

• Calories: 200-250 (depending on bacon thickness and sugar amount)
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 12g

The chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the bacon adds a satisfying richness. If you’re watching sugar intake, feel free to use less brown sugar or try a sugar-free alternative. This dish is naturally gluten-free if you choose gluten-free bacon and seasonings.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, delicious, and sure to please, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are it. They’re a fantastic combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that work for dinner, appetizers, or even a midnight snack. Honestly, they’re a hit every single time I make them!

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Feel free to experiment with variations, and don’t forget to share your creations in the comments. I’d love to hear how you make them your own!

So grab some chicken, bacon, and brown sugar, and let’s get cooking. You won’t regret it!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Just cut them into strips for easier wrapping.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Absolutely. Wrap the chicken in bacon and refrigerate overnight. Add the brown sugar coating just before baking.

What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?

Ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce are fantastic options. If you like heat, try a spicy sriracha mayo!

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on the bacon to prevent burning.

How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?

Secure the bacon with toothpicks while baking, then remove them before serving.

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