Get ready for a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet and savory! These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tendersare incredibly addictive, featuring tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, all coated in a rich, caramelized brown sugar glaze. They’re surprisingly easy to make and bake up beautifully golden and succulent, making them an instant hit for dinner, appetizers, or a special snack.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is pure magic in my kitchen! What I love most is the sheer simplicity combined with the incredibly complex flavors it produces. The way the salty bacon crisps up around the tender chicken, while the brown sugar caramelizesinto a sticky, sweet glaze, is just divine. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together with minimal effort, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as these bake is absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for impressing guests, satisfying picky eaters, or simply treating yourself to something truly delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these wonderfully sweet and savory chicken tenders:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 strips bacon
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for an even juicier result. Cut them into similar tender-sized strips.
- Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar works best for its moisture and caramelizing properties. Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt has a larger grain and purer taste. If using table salt, reduce the amount slightly (about 1/4 teaspoon).
- Bacon: Regular sliced bacon works best here. Thin-cut bacon might crisp up faster, while thick-cut might take a bit longer to get fully crispy.
- Optional Spices: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper in the brown sugar mix can add a subtle kick, or a dash of garlic powder for extra savory depth.
- Maple Syrup/Honey: For a different glaze, you could try drizzling a bit of maple syrup or honey over the tenders before baking for extra stickiness.
Instructions
Let’s get these irresistible Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders baking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Prepare Chicken: Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it lengthwise into 4 long, thin chicken strips. This creates tender-sized pieces that cook evenly and are perfect for wrapping.
- Season Brown Sugar: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher Salt and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Whisk or stir well to combine the seasonings evenly.
- Coat Chicken: Add the prepared chicken tenders to the bowl with the seasoned brown sugar mixture. Toss the chicken thoroughly in the brown sugar until each tender is well coated.
- Wrap and Arrange: Take one coated chicken tender and carefully wrap it tightly in a strip of bacon. Place the wrapped chicken tender into a baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan or a similar-sized dish works well). Ensure the bacon seam is on the bottom to help it stay wrapped. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders and bacon. Arrange them in a single layer in your baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Final Seasoning: Take any remaining brown sugar mixture from the bowl and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy (as pictured in the recipe), and the chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part. If the bacon isn’t as crisp as you like after 25 minutes, you can briefly (1-2 minutes) place the dish under the broiler, but watch very carefully to prevent burning!
Tips for Success
- Thin Chicken Strips: Cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips ensures they cook quickly and remain tender, preventing them from drying out while the bacon crisps.
- Tightly Wrap Bacon: Wrapping the bacon tightly around the chicken helps it stick and crisp evenly. Secure with a toothpick if needed for very thick tenders, but usually, the bacon will adhere to itself.
- Single Layer Baking: Arranging the tenders in a single layer without overlapping is crucial for crispy bacon and even cooking. Use two baking dishes if necessary.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) without going over, to keep them juicy.
- Crispy Bacon: The final few minutes are key for bacon crispness. The brown sugar will caramelize, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and perfect as a main dish or an appetizer:
- Appetizer: Serve warm on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They are fantastic for parties!
- Main Dish: Pair them with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a light green salad.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up any sweet and savory drippings.
- Dipping Sauce: While delicious on their own, a side of ranch dressing (if you like sweet and savory ranch), or even a spicy BBQ sauce, can be a fun addition.
- For other incredibly popular chicken appetizers, consider our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or our unique Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are delicious, though the bacon’s crispness will diminish.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat tenders on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer, until warmed through and the bacon is slightly re-crisped. Microwaving is an option, but the bacon may become chewy.
- Freezing: Cooked tenders can be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, savory, and easy nature of these chicken tenders, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic chicken-centric and crowd-pleasing recipes:
- For another amazing one-pan meal with chicken, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of lighter chicken salads, our A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight is a must-try.
- And for a super easy way to feed a crowd with chicken, don’t miss These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast!
- Finally, for another cozy chicken dinner that’s always a hit, our These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners are a winner.
Final Thoughts
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can combine to create an incredibly satisfying and flavorful dish. They’re easy to make, boast that irresistible sweet and savory balance, and are sure to be a new favorite for your family and friends.
Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love with these crispy, sticky, and delicious tenders! What’s your favorite sweet and savory combination in a dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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