Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleasers! This dish features juicy chicken tenders coated in a blend of brown sugar and spices, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked to perfection. Whether you’re preparing a game-day snack or a quick dinner, this sweet and savory recipe will win everyone’s hearts. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to whip up anytime.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional, for some extra kick)
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each chicken tender until fully coated.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Start at one end and spiral the bacon around the tender until it’s fully wrapped.
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon at the ends if needed.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken Tenders
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking.
- Sprinkle any remaining seasoning or brown sugar over the top for extra flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Tenders
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 6: Add Crumbled Bacon (Optional)
- Once out of the oven, you can sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the top for even more smoky flavor.
Cooking Note:
- Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier, as the brown sugar can caramelize and stick to the pan.
- If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, broiling for a few minutes will do the trick.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these chicken tenders with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
- Pair them with side dishes like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- These tenders also make great party appetizers—serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Tips:
- Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and crispier results.
- Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- If you’re making these ahead of time, wrap and refrigerate the chicken tenders, then bake just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 460mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders bring together everything we love—sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in one bite. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or just indulging in a snack, these chicken tenders are bound to be a hit. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, you’ll want to make these over and over again!
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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe: Sweet and Savory Perfection
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional, for some extra kick)
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each chicken tender until fully coated.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Start at one end and spiral the bacon around the tender until it’s fully wrapped.
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon at the ends if needed.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken Tenders
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking.
- Sprinkle any remaining seasoning or brown sugar over the top for extra flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Tenders
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 6: Add Crumbled Bacon (Optional)
- Once out of the oven, you can sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the top for even more smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 230
- Sodium: 460mg
- Protein: 15g