Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a caramelized brown sugar glaze. These tenders are incredibly easy to make and pack a punch of flavor that’s sure to impress. With only a few simple ingredients, you can create this mouthwatering dish that’s great for appetizers, snacks, or a main meal. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 10-12 slices of bacon
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Toothpicks (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling to the other end. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
4. Coat with Brown Sugar Mix: Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure the sugar adheres well to the bacon.

Bake the Chicken Tenders

5. Arrange on Rack: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack, making sure they are spaced evenly for even cooking.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Serve

7. Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the chicken tenders cool for a few minutes before serving. Remove the toothpicks if used.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Wire Rack: Using a wire rack allows the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken tenders, ensuring crispy bacon on all sides.
• Bacon Thickness: Use regular sliced bacon for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook and may not crisp up as well.
• Broiling Tip: Keep a close eye when broiling as the sugar can burn quickly.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a little kick.
• Maple Bacon Tenders: Drizzle with a bit of maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra sweet touch.
• Herb Infused: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the brown sugar mixture for an herbaceous flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer: Serve these tenders as an appetizer with a side of ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce.
• Main Dish: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Party Platter: These tenders are perfect for parties or gatherings—serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders up to 1 day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips if you don’t have tenders. Just make sure they are similar in size for even cooking.

What Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?

You can use honey or maple syrup as an alternative to brown sugar, though the texture and caramelization may be slightly different.

Can I Cook These in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook these in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a sweet and savory delight that combines the smokiness of bacon with the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a comforting main dish. Gather your ingredients, bake, and enjoy these irresistible chicken tenders that are sure to be a hit!

Happy Cooking!