Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders—a mouthwatering fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will elevate your dinner game! These tenders feature juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, coated with a delectable brown sugar and salt crust that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. Ideal for a weeknight meal, a game-day snack, or a party appetizer, this recipe combines the irresistible allure of bacon with the sticky sweetness of brown sugar for a dish that’s sure to impress. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of about 30 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details and bring this delicious creation to your table!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-1.5 lbs total)
- 8-10 slices of bacon (thin-cut works best for wrapping)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark for varied flavor)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for a tender finish)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to secure bacon, if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow the fat to drip away, ensuring crispy bacon and tender chicken. This setup also makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying the meal.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into 4-5 strips, creating tenders about 1-inch wide. This size ensures even cooking and a perfect bite. Pat the tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the bacon adhere and crisp up during baking.
- Season the Tenders: In a small bowl, mix the Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Lightly brush each chicken tender with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides. This step infuses the chicken with flavor before the bacon and sugar take center stage.
- Coat with Brown Sugar: Pour the ½ cup of brown sugar into a shallow dish. Press each seasoned chicken tender into the brown sugar, coating all sides generously. The sugar will melt and caramelize during baking, creating a sticky, sweet glaze that pairs beautifully with the savory bacon.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender, starting at one end and spiraling to the other. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary, or use kitchen twine for a neater presentation. The bacon adds a smoky richness and helps keep the tenders moist as they cook.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the wrapped tenders on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For an extra-crispy finish, broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning the sugar.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Plate the tenders hot, with the caramelized brown sugar and bacon glistening, ready to delight your taste buds.
Serving Suggestions
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them with a creamy ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce for a tangy contrast to the sweetness. For a complete meal, pair with roasted sweet potatoes, garlic green beans, or a fresh coleslaw to balance the richness. They also shine as an appetizer at gatherings—arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
- Bacon Choice: Thin-cut bacon crisps up nicely, but thick-cut bacon adds a heartier texture. Adjust baking time by 5 minutes if using thick-cut.
- Sugar Substitution: For a healthier twist, use coconut sugar or a sugar-free brown sugar alternative, though the caramelization may differ slightly.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the tenders up to the wrapping stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when ready, adding 5 minutes to the cooking time if cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness, or enjoy cold in a salad.
Nutritional Insights
Each serving (based on 2 tenders per person, serving 4-5) contains approximately 350-400 calories, with a balance of protein from the chicken (about 25g per serving), fats from the bacon and butter/oil, and carbohydrates from the brown sugar. The dish is rich in flavor but can be moderated by using leaner bacon or reducing the sugar coating slightly.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a sweet-and-spicy profile.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan over the tenders during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey topping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for dredging, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, with the crispy bacon and caramelized sugar creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is ideal for those who love bold tastes and simple preparation, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. The stunning presentation—golden bacon wrapped around juicy chicken—also makes it a standout for social media or dinner parties. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I grill these instead? Yes! Preheat your grill to medium heat, wrap the tenders, and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through.
- What if the sugar burns? If the brown sugar starts to char during broiling, lower the oven rack or reduce the broil time. Covering with foil for the first 20 minutes can also prevent over-browning.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely! Bone-in thighs work well—increase baking time to 35-40 minutes and check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Indulge in the irresistible charm of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders and treat your family or guests to a meal they won’t forget. Share your results in the comments below or tag us in your photos—we’d love to see your culinary creations!
