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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 75 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast into tender-sized strips, about 1 inch wide, to ensure even cooking and easy wrapping.
  2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper evenly over the chicken tenders to enhance flavor.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.