Sweet, Salty, and Addictive: Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

When it comes to comfort food, there are few combinations more iconic than the marriage of salty bacon and caramelized brown sugar. If you are looking for a recipe that bridges the gap between a family-friendly weeknight dinner and a show-stopping game day appetizer, you have found it. These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate “cheat code” in the kitchen. They require minimal prep, just a handful of ingredients, and deliver a flavor profile that tastes like it came from a high-end gastropub.

Hi, I’m Jason Griffith, and if there is one thing I’ve learned in my years of writing for ChefManiac, it’s that simplicity often yields the most delicious results. This recipe is the perfect example of how a few humble pantry staples can transform lean chicken breast into a decadent, sticky, and crispy treat that disappears in seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

There is a lot to love about a recipe that uses only four main ingredients. First and foremost, the contrast in textures is incredible. You get the crunch of the bacon, the tenderness of the chicken, and the slight tackiness of the melted brown sugar.

Secondly, it is incredibly versatile. I’ve served these at upscale dinner parties as an hors d’oeuvre and made them on frantic Tuesday nights when I only had 10 minutes to prep. Because the brown sugar renders down with the bacon fat, it creates a built-in glaze that seasons the chicken from the outside in. It’s a foolproof way to ensure your chicken never comes out dry or bland.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless breasts.
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (packed). This is the base of our glaze.
• Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance the sweetness.
• Ground Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon for a subtle kick.
• Bacon: 8 strips. Standard cut works best here; thick-cut bacon can sometimes take too long to crisp up before the chicken overcooks.

Swaps and Notes

• The Sugar: If you want a deeper, molasses-like flavor, use dark brown sugar. If you’re looking for a heat kick, try mixing in a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper with the sugar.
• The Meat: You can use pre-cut chicken tenderloin strips to save time, though cutting your own from the breast allows for more uniform thickness.
• Bacon Varieties: Maple-smoked bacon adds another layer of autumnal flavor that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for much easier cleanup—the sugar will get sticky!
2. Slice the Chicken: Carefully cut each chicken breast into 4 long, thin strips. You want them to be uniform so they cook at the same rate.
3. The Sugar Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Add your chicken strips to the bowl and toss them thoroughly until they are well-coated in the sugar mixture.
4. The Wrap: Take one strip of bacon and wrap it tightly around a sugared chicken tender. Start at one end and spiral it down to the other.
5. Final Touch: Place the wrapped tenders into your baking dish. If you have any sugar left in the bowl, sprinkle it over the top of the tenders.
6. Bake: Cook for 20-25 minutes. You are looking for the bacon to be cooked through and starting to crisp, and the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2 minutes.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there is a little space between each tender in the pan. This allows the hot air to circulate and helps the bacon crisp up rather than steam.
• Use a Rack: If you prefer your bacon extra crispy on all sides, place a wire cooling rack inside your baking sheet and cook the chicken on top of the rack.
• Check the Bacon: Since bacon thickness varies, keep an eye on it around the 18-minute mark. If the sugar looks like it’s burning but the bacon isn’t crisp, lower the rack in your oven.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These tenders are a powerhouse on their own, but they play very well with others. For a full “party spread” vibe, I highly recommend serving these alongside a savory dip. They pair beautifully with this Beer Cheese Dip which provides a sharp contrast to the sweet glaze.

If you are serving these as a main course, they go great with hearty sides. Think of them as a protein topper for Totchos or as a side to Sheet Pan Quesadillas.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sodium: 580mg

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To maintain the crispness, avoid the microwave. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
• Freezing: You can freeze these after baking. Let them cool completely, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to 2 months.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the savory-sweet-crunchy combo of these tenders, you have to try these other fan favorites from the site:

• Crockpot Nacho Dip – The perfect companion for any finger food.
• Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole – Another one-pan wonder for busy nights.

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Final Thoughts

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry football fans, the tray always comes back empty.

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, or better yet, follow us on social media and tag @ChefManiac in your photos. Happy cooking!