Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delicious, sweet, and savory dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and caramelized brown sugar creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love. Plus, the slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. Serve these chicken tenders with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of veggies for a complete meal.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Ingredients

For Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
• 8-10 slices bacon
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the bacon stick better and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
2. Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. If the bacon slice is too long, you can trim it to fit the tender.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. The brown sugar will caramelize during cooking, creating a sweet and crispy coating.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

1. Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in a single layer in the slow cooker. If needed, arrange them in two layers, but try to keep them from overlapping too much.
3. Drizzle the honey over the top of the chicken tenders.

Step 5: Cook

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy and caramelized.

Step 6: Serve

1. Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the slow cooker. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. These chicken tenders pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side salad.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook and may not crisp up as well.
• Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the chicken at the 3-hour mark to see if it’s cooked through and tender.
• Crisping the Bacon: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can place the chicken tenders under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.

Variations

• Spicy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a spicy kick.
• Maple Bacon Chicken: Substitute the honey with pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the brown sugar mixture for an herbal twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of tenders. Simply cut the chicken breasts into strips, or cook them whole if desired. Cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly.

2. How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet until warmed through.

3. Can I Cook This on High?

Yes, you can cook this dish on high for 1.5-2 hours, but cooking on low will yield more tender chicken and better caramelization.

4. What Can I Serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

These chicken tenders are delicious served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or even over a fresh green salad.

Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and caramelized brown sugar makes this an easy favorite for both kids and adults. Customize the seasoning to suit your taste, and enjoy a delicious meal that practically cooks itself.

Happy cooking!