Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the answer! With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- These chicken tenders can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for a quick and tasty meal.
- These tenders are perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy them throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders: Provides a lean protein base for the dish.
- Thick-cut bacon: Adds a rich and smoky flavor to the chicken tenders.
- Brown sugar: Creates a caramelized coating on the chicken for a touch of sweetness.
- Spices (paprika, garlic powder, black pepper): Enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Optional: Cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and secure with toothpicks.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat each bacon-wrapped chicken tender with the spice mixture.
- Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Helpful Tips:
- For a crispier coating, broil the chicken tenders for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.
- To make this dish healthier, use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon.
- Serve these chicken tenders with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the chicken tenders in the spice mixture for a few hours before cooking for maximum flavor.
- For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken tenders instead of baking them.
Serving Suggestions:
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders pair well with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. For drinks, try serving them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders?
- Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?
- Yes, maple syrup can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Can I make these chicken tenders on the grill?
- Yes, you can grill these chicken tenders instead of baking them for a smokier flavor.
Conclusion:
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of bacon, brown sugar, and tender chicken. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
PrintEasy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
- Total Time: 35-40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Juicy chicken tenders are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a delicious brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Spices: paprika, garlic powder, black pepper
- Optional: cayenne pepper for extra kick
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken tenders with spices and wrap each tender with a slice of bacon.
- Coat with brown sugar: Roll the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in brown sugar until coated.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to secure the bacon around the chicken tenders with toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg