Juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze make for an irresistible appetizer or main dish. These tenders are easy to prepare and deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
- They combine the smoky flavor of bacon with a hint of sweetness.
- Perfect for both quick weeknight meals and party appetizers.
- Easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at some of the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken tenders: The star of the dish, tender and juicy.
- Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Brown sugar: For a caramelized sweetness.
- Paprika or chili powder (optional): Adds a touch of warmth to the sweetness.
For the full list of ingredients, check the recipe below.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
- In a shallow dish, mix brown sugar with paprika or chili powder, if using.
- Roll the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Arrange the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked.
Time and Servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Variations
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Add garlic powder to the sugar mixture for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them and refrigerate until ready to bake. They’re best served fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven.
What can I serve with these?
These pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a tangy barbecue sauce. Add a side of coleslaw or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These chicken tenders are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a caramelized brown sugar glaze, offering the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Easy to prepare and a hit at parties or family dinners, they’re a versatile dish that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 8–10 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Spice Mix: Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken tenders evenly with the spice mixture.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each tender with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- Bake: Place tenders on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. For crispier bacon, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Using thick-cut bacon? Slightly increase the baking time for thorough cooking.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: ~12g
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Fat: ~15g (Saturated: 6g)
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Protein: ~25g
- Cholesterol: ~55mg