Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Irresistible Sweet-and-Savory Delight
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory. Each tender is wrapped snugly in crispy, golden bacon, coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, and roasted to perfection. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family or impressing guests at a casual gathering, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser, delivering mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort.
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. The balance of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar ensures that every bite is an explosion of flavor. Plus, the easy prep makes it a breeze to whip up, even on your busiest days. Keep reading for tips, tricks, and secrets to perfecting this dish!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, and savory with a hint of garlic and paprika.
- Texture: Crispy bacon on the outside; tender, juicy chicken on the inside.
- Aroma: A delightful smoky sweetness wafting through your kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Golden brown bacon with caramelized sugar glaze and a parsley garnish.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with straightforward steps.
- Special Equipment: Baking sheet, parchment paper, and a meat thermometer (optional).
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is categorized as easy, making it accessible to all home cooks. The steps are simple, and no advanced techniques are required.
- Category: This dish falls under main courses or appetizers, perfect for dinner or party finger foods.
- Cuisine: While not strictly traditional, this dish boasts American comfort food vibes with a modern twist.
- Cost: Budget-friendly! Chicken tenders and bacon are affordable staples, and the remaining ingredients are pantry basics.
- Season: A fantastic choice year-round, especially during fall and winter when comfort food reigns supreme.
- Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. The irresistible combination of bacon and brown sugar creates a caramelized crust that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken inside. Each bite delivers a smoky, sweet, and savory flavor explosion that the whole family will adore.
2. This recipe requires only accessible, affordable ingredients. With just a handful of common pantry staples, you can create a gourmet-level dish at home without breaking the bank.
3. No advanced cooking skills are needed. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or an experienced cook, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and foolproof.
4. Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile. Serve them as appetizers at parties, main dishes for dinner, or snackable bites on game day. They’re sure to shine on any occasion.
5. Cleanup is a breeze! With parchment or foil lining your baking sheet, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring your delicious creation.
The Recipe
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Brush for coating oil (optional)
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling to the other. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Brush the bacon-wrapped chicken with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
- Rub the brown sugar mixture over each chicken tender, coating evenly.
- Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for even cooking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Broil for 2-3 minutes if needed for extra crispiness.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Maple syrup can be drizzled over the chicken tenders before baking for additional sweetness.
- Using thinner slices of bacon will ensure it crisps up during the baking process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using overly thick bacon: Thicker bacon won’t crisp up well and may leave the chicken undercooked.
- Skipping the olive oil: This step helps the seasoning adhere and ensures even caramelization.
- Not spacing the tenders: Crowding the baking sheet can cause uneven cooking and prevent the bacon from crisping properly.
- Skipping a thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Trim any excess fat from the bacon to avoid overly greasy results.
- Use high-quality, center-cut bacon for even wrapping and crispiness.
- Flip the tenders halfway through baking for even browning.
- If prepping ahead, season the chicken in advance for enhanced flavor.
Now, it’s your turn to create this sweet-and-savory masterpiece! Share your culinary creation on social media and tag #BaconBrownSugarChicken for a chance to be featured. Enjoy!