Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer! With just five simple ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, they’re sticky, smoky, salty, and perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. Crispy bacon wraps tender chicken strips while brown sugar caramelizes to perfection—absolutely irresistible!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Tenders
• For Garnish
• How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Chicken
• Step 3: Season & Coat
• Step 4: Wrap in Bacon
• Step 5: Top with Sugar
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• As an Appetizer
• Over Salad
• With Waffles
• On Rice
• In a Sandwich
• How to Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Best Side Dishes for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Reheating Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders so special?
• Can I use other types of meat?
• How do I customize my Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
• Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory bacon creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as an appetizer, or serve over salad, rice, or even waffles for a unique twist.
• Kid-Friendly: These chicken tenders are sure to please picky eaters, making them a hit at family dinners.
• Simple Ingredients: With only five ingredients, you probably have everything you need right in your kitchen!

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet: This helps create a non-stick surface and makes cleanup easier after cooking.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining the brown sugar mixture evenly with the chicken strips.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 strips bacon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the bacon perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Slice each chicken breast into 4 long, thin strips. This will yield a total of 8 tenders.

Step 3: Season & Coat

In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture until they are well coated.

Step 4: Wrap in Bacon

Take one strip of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly for even cooking. Place the wrapped tenders in a baking dish or on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Top with Sugar

Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped tenders. This will add an extra layer of sweetness as it cooks.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes. Check that the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end (but keep a close eye on it!).

Step 7: Serve Hot

These tenders are best served fresh out of the oven. Enjoy them as an appetizer or serve them creatively over salad, rice, or even waffles!

How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are not just delicious; they are versatile too! Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these tenders can be served in numerous fun ways.

As an Appetizer

• Serve them hot straight from the oven as finger food for guests. Pair with dipping sauces such as ranch or barbecue for extra flavor.

Over Salad

• Place the warm chicken tenders on a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with your favorite dressing to create a sweet and savory salad.

With Waffles

• For a unique twist, serve the chicken tenders over crispy waffles and drizzle with syrup. This combination is sure to impress!

On Rice

• Serve the tenders over a bowl of fluffy rice. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a satisfying meal option.

In a Sandwich

• Slice the chicken tenders and place them in a bun with lettuce and tomato for a delicious sandwich. Add mayonnaise or spicy sauce for an extra kick.

How to Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

To ensure your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use thick-cut bacon: This will provide a better texture and more flavor, helping the bacon crisp up nicely while cooking.
• Pat chicken dry: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken strips dry. This helps the coating stick better and improves overall crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish: Give each chicken tender enough space on the baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
• Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on the tenders as they bake. Ovens can vary, so adjust cooking time if needed to achieve that perfect crispy bacon.
• Broil at the end: For extra crunch, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes after baking. Just watch closely to prevent burning!

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Best Side Dishes for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and contrasts beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and balance out the richness of the bacon.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition to your plate while complementing the flavors.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings out the sweetness in the brown sugar, making it a delightful pairing.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of sweet potato fries pairs well with smoky bacon, creating an enjoyable flavor combo.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser and perfectly matches these flavorful tenders.
7. Baked Beans: The sweetness in baked beans harmonizes with brown sugar, offering another layer of flavor complexity.
8. Garden Salad: A simple garden salad provides freshness and lightness alongside your rich appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and outcome.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat the oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
• Using Thick Chicken Pieces: Cutting chicken into thick pieces can cause longer cooking times. Ensure each breast is sliced into long, thin strips for tender results.
• Skipping the Seasoning Step: Neglecting to coat chicken strips in the brown sugar mixture will reduce flavor. Make sure every piece is well coated for maximum sweetness.
• Ignoring Bacon Quality: Using low-quality bacon can affect taste and crispiness. Opt for thick-cut bacon for better wrapping and flavor.
• Not Watching While Broiling: Broiling can quickly burn food if left unattended. Keep a close eye during this step to achieve perfect crispiness without burning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow tenders to cool completely before sealing them in the container.

Freezing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Freeze cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals.

Reheating Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake tenders on a lined baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place tenders on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook tenders for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders so special?

These tenders stand out due to their unique combination of sweet brown sugar and savory bacon, creating a delightful flavor contrast that is irresistible.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or pork tenderloin for variation while maintaining similar flavors.

How do I customize my Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

Feel free to add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat, or incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.

Can I make these tenders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and wrap the chicken ahead of time, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.

Final Thoughts

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows for customization with various spices or sides, making them a great choice whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!