Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory, with an irresistible crispy texture, then you’ve found your new favorite. Today, we’re making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders – a mouthwatering dish where tender chicken strips are coated in a delectable blend of caramelized brown sugar and savory, crispy bacon. It’s an absolute game-changer for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders because they deliver incredible flavor with surprising ease. They’re wonderfully sweet and savory, providing a fantastic contrast that excites the palate. The chicken stays incredibly tender and juicy, while the bacon and brown sugar create a deliciously caramelized and crispy coating. It’s perfect for satisfying those cravings for something indulgent, yet it comes together so quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Plus, the minimal cleanup is always a win in my book!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these fantastic Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Chicken tenders are ideal for their quick cooking time and uniform shape. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips, but ensure they are of similar thickness for even baking.
• Bacon: Use regular or thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy. Turkey bacon could be used for a lighter option, but it won’t render the same amount of fat or provide the same depth of flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar gives the best caramelization. Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
• Seasoning: Adjust the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to your taste. For a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the seasoning blend.
• Make Ahead (Bacon): You can cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time to make assembly even faster.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
2. Prepare the Seasoning Blend: In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or stir well to create a uniform seasoning blend.
3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss them until they are evenly and thoroughly coated on all sides. Then, sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the seasoned chicken, pressing gently with your hands to help the bacon adhere to the tenders.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for even cooking and crisping.
5. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C when measured with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part). The coating should be beautifully caramelized and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. These bacon brown sugar chicken tenders are delicious on their own, or served with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or a sweet chili sauce!

Tips for Success

• Pat Chicken Dry: Always pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels before coating. This helps the seasoning and bacon adhere better and promotes a crispier exterior.
• Even Coating: Ensure the tenders are well coated with the brown sugar mixture for maximum flavor and caramelization.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give the chicken tenders space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, which prevents them from getting crispy. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
• Don’t Overbake! Chicken tenders cook quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooked chicken will be dry.
• Rest Slightly: A short rest after baking allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, ensuring they stay juicy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile. They’re a fantastic main dish, but also perfect as an appetizer:

• Main Course: Serve with a side of steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
• Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’d be a great addition to a party spread with my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• Sandwiches/Wraps: Chop them up and serve in slider buns or lettuce wraps.
• Salad Topping: Slice and add them to a simple green salad for a sweet and savory protein boost. For another delicious chicken salad idea, check out my Light Tangy Chicken Salad (with no mayo in sight!).
• Southern-Inspired Meals: They would complement a hearty Southern meal like my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they are still delicious reheated. To re-crisp them, place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until heated through and crisp again.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and incredible flavor of these chicken tenders, and you’re a fan of satisfying chicken dishes, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular recipes:

• For another truly comforting and hearty chicken dish with a Southern kick, dive into a bowl of my incredibly flavorful Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
• For an easy way to feed a crowd with cheesy goodness, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are simply irresistible!

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Final Thoughts

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can come together to create an incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and utterly addictive meal. They’re sweet, savory, crispy, and always a huge hit. Give them a try – you’ll be amazed at how quickly this delicious dish becomes a regular in your rotation!

What are your favorite sweet and savory flavor combinations, or your go-to chicken tender recipes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.