Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both quick and irresistibly flavorful, you’ve got to try this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe. The combination of sweet brown sugar and smoky bacon creates a beautiful glaze that hugs tender chicken strips—every bite feels like a little celebration. I first made this on a busy weeknight when I needed something easy but special, and it quickly became a family favorite.
What I love most about this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe is how simple it is to pull together with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight or want something impressive for guests without the fuss, this recipe hits that sweet spot. It’s also super kid-friendly, which is always a win in my book!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here perfectly balance savory and sweet, letting the bacon’s smoky flavor shine alongside the caramelized brown sugar. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds it all out. When shopping, I suggest choosing thick-cut bacon for a better crunch, and fresh chicken breasts for juicier tenders.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless—you’ll slice these into tender strips for quick cooking.
- Bacon: I recommend regular or thick-cut; it crisps up nicely and adds fantastic smokiness.
- Brown sugar: Light brown sugar works best for that rich caramel flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- Kosher salt: Just enough to enhance flavors without making it salty.
- Coarse ground black pepper: Adds a little spicy kick to balance the sweet glaze.
Variations
One thing I love about this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Sometimes I swap out the brown sugar for a mix of maple syrup and brown sugar for extra depth. Feel free to experiment with what suits your tastes!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes gives it a smoky heat that my adventurous friends adore.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is great if you or your guests have sensitivities.
- Honey Swap: For a different sweetness profile, try honey instead of brown sugar—just be sure to watch the cooking time so it doesn’t burn.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled on top before baking adds a lovely herbal aroma.
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Bacon
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into evenly sized tenders—about 1-inch strips work well for quick, even cooking. Next, partially cook your bacon slices in a skillet for about 3 minutes—they don’t need to be crispy yet, just enough to start rendering the fat. This step helps prevent sogginess later and ensures the bacon crisps nicely baked on the chicken.
Step 2: Wrap and Coat
Wrap each chicken tender with a half slice of the partially cooked bacon. Arrange them seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all are wrapped, sprinkle kosher salt and coarse black pepper over the tenders, then cover them evenly with brown sugar. The sugar will melt and caramelize during baking, giving you that delightful sweet crust.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the prepared tenders for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F). Keep an eye on the brown sugar—it can caramelize quickly and you want it golden, not burnt. If the sugar starts to darken too fast, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.
How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, I like to keep it simple—fresh chopped parsley or a little chopped green onion adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, I squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness and saltiness. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, I’ve served these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe on skewers for a fun finger-food style presentation. They also make fantastic sliders on mini buns with a dollop of coleslaw for a tasty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tenders remain flavorful, though the bacon loses a bit of its crunch. To keep them tasting fresh, reheat properly—more on that next.
Freezing
Yes, this recipe freezes well! After baking, let the tenders cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’re best used within 2 months. When you want a quick meal, this is a total go-to in my freezer.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the bacon rubbery. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the bacon delightfully crunchy again.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be a bit juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few more minutes to cook through. The flavor combo with bacon and brown sugar works beautifully either way.
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Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the brown sugar by a quarter or use a combination of brown sugar and a pinch of smoked paprika. This keeps the glaze flavorful with a smoky edge instead of overly sweet.
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Can I cook the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe on the grill?
You can! Use indirect heat to prevent the brown sugar from burning—wrap the tenders in foil and grill for 15-20 minutes, then unwrap and grill directly for a few minutes to crisp the bacon. Just watch carefully to avoid flare-ups.
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How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest tender—juices should run clear and the meat should be opaque.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those rare dishes that manages to be quick, simple, and show-stopping all at once. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it never fails to bring smiles and requests for seconds. I really hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll love how the sweet, smoky flavors come together in every perfectly crispy bite!
PrintBacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering combination of juicy, tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. Perfect as a quick dinner or party appetizer, this recipe balances smoky, salty, and sweet flavors for an irresistible dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 chicken tenders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Bacon and Seasoning
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast into tender-sized strips, about 1 inch wide, to ensure even cooking and easy wrapping.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper evenly over the chicken tenders to enhance flavor.
- Wrap with bacon: Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each chicken tender, covering as much surface as possible to keep the chicken moist and add smoky flavor.
- Coat with brown sugar: Roll or sprinkle the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders generously in brown sugar, making sure to cover all sides. This will create a sweet glaze that caramelizes during cooking.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation and even cooking.
- Bake the tenders: Arrange the bacon-wrapped, brown sugar-coated chicken tenders on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Notes
- You can substitute pork tenderloin strips if desired, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
