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 perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. The crispy bacon wraps around tender chicken strips while brown sugar caramelizes to perfection—absolutely irresistible!
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 a Salad
- With Rice or Quinoa
- On Waffles
- 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 are Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
- Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
- How do I make these tenders spicy?
- What sides pair well with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only five ingredients, you’ll have these tenders ready in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, on a salad, or even with waffles for a unique twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and parties, everyone will love these delicious bites.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these flavorful Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Foil (for lining)
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cooking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Essential for holding the chicken tenders while they bake evenly.
- Mixing bowl: Great for combining the brown sugar mixture that coats the chicken strips.
- Sharp knife: Helps in slicing the chicken breasts into perfect tenders without tearing.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
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
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tenders cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Slice each chicken breast into 4 long, thin strips. You will end up with 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. Place them in a baking dish or on a foil-lined cooking sheet to help with cleanup.
Step 5: Top with Sugar
Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture over the wrapped chicken tenders for added sweetness and flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Bake your tenders for 20–25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end; just keep an eye on them!
Step 7: Serve Hot
These tenders are best served fresh out of the oven. Enjoy them as an appetizer or try pairing them with salad, rice, or even waffles for a fun dinner twist!
How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick family meal, here are some creative serving suggestions.
As an Appetizer
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
- Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for added flavor.
Over a Salad
- Place the tenders on a bed of mixed greens for a delicious and filling salad.
- Add toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado for extra freshness.
With Rice or Quinoa
- Serve with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the sweet and savory juices.
- Garnish with green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
On Waffles
- For a fun twist, serve these tenders on waffles topped with maple syrup.
- This combination brings together sweet and savory elements perfect for brunch.
In a Sandwich
- Slice the tenders and layer them in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
- Use toasted bread or brioche for an extra touch of indulgence.
How to Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
To ensure your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use thin bacon: Thin bacon crisps up better and allows the chicken to cook evenly.
- Pat chicken dry: Drying the chicken strips helps the sugar mixture stick better while cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd: Space out the chicken tenders on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Check internal temperature: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add garlic powder or paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
- Broil at the end: Broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end gives you that extra crispy finish—just keep an eye on them!
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Pairing side dishes with your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement their sweet and savory flavors.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that balances sweetness.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw provides freshness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken tenders.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is perfect for summer gatherings.
- Sweet Potato Fries – These fries bring additional sweetness while offering a crispy texture that pairs well with the tenders.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Macaroni and Cheese – This cheesy classic is always a hit, providing creaminess alongside your flavorful tenders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding pitfalls in your cooking process can lead to a better outcome. Here are some common mistakes when making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken strips properly can make them bland. Always ensure you coat them thoroughly in the brown sugar mixture.
- Using thick bacon: Thick-cut bacon may not crisp up well and could lead to uneven cooking. Opt for regular or thin-cut bacon for the best results.
- Neglecting to preheat: Failing to preheat your oven can affect cooking times and texture. Always preheat to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: Crowding the tenders can trap steam, preventing them from getting crispy. Space them out for even cooking and crispiness.
- Not checking doneness: Under-cooking chicken can be unsafe. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Ignoring broiling for extra crispiness: Skipping the broil step at the end means missing out on that perfect crispy finish. Broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in intervals of 30 seconds until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and cook tenders for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a sweet-and-savory appetizer made by wrapping chicken strips with bacon and coating them in brown sugar before baking.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative. However, cooking times may vary due to differences in fat content.
How do I make these tenders spicy?
To add spiciness, include cayenne pepper or chili powder in the brown sugar mixture before coating your chicken strips.
What sides pair well with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Serve these tenders with fresh salad, rice pilaf, or even atop waffles for a fun twist on dinner!
Final Thoughts
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors that are perfect for any occasion. They are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or main dishes. Feel free to customize them by adding spices or serving them with various dips!
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintBacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate sweet-and-savory delight that everyone will love! Ready in just 30 minutes, these irresistible tenders feature juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, these easy-to-make bites will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces, on top of salads, or even alongside waffles for a unique twist. With just five ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, this recipe guarantees deliciousness with minimal effort!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 strips bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each chicken breast into four long strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken strips in this mixture.
- Wrap each chicken strip with a piece of bacon and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle any leftover brown sugar mixture over the wrapped chicken.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Broil for an additional 1–2 minutes if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders (70g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
