Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Delight!
By Jason Griffith
Get ready for a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crispy textures! These Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are an absolutely irresistible treat. Juicy chicken tenders are coated in a simple brown sugar rub, then wrapped tightly in crispy bacon and baked to golden perfection. They’re incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a huge hit at any gathering, as a fun appetizer, or a delicious weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of dishes that deliver big on flavor and are genuinely fun to eat, and these Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders absolutely nail it! What I truly adore is the incredible interplay of textures: the crispy, salty baconencasing the tender, juicy chicken, all enhanced by that sweet and savory brown sugar crust. The optional touch of garlic powder or paprika adds another layer of irresistible aroma. It feels incredibly indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it a fantastic, fuss-free option for parties or a special family meal. These always disappear fast!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-1.25 lbs total)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: Pinch of garlic powder or paprika (about ¼ tsp) for extra aroma
- 6–8 slices bacon (enough to wrap each chicken strip)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for slicing into tenders. You can also use pre-cut chicken tenderloins for convenience, but they might be thinner and cook faster.
- Brown Sugar: Both light or dark brown sugar work well here, contributing to the sweet and caramelized crust.
- Bacon: Use regular-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon might take longer to crisp up. Ensure you have enough slices to fully wrap each chicken tender. For a crispy bacon, a wire rack is highly recommended during baking.
- Seasoning: The basic brown sugar, salt, and pepper create a classic sweet-and-savory profile. The optional garlic powder or paprika adds an extra layer of savory depth and color. Feel free to add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepperfor a subtle spicy kick.
- Doneness: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the bacon, helping it crisp up beautifully.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into long strips, approximately 1 inch wide and about 3-4 inches long. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup packed brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper, and the optional pinch of garlic powder or paprika. Stir everything together until well mixed. Generously rub this brown sugar mixture all over the chicken strips, ensuring every surface is coated.
4. Wrap with Bacon: Take one strip of bacon. Starting at one end of a chicken tender, wrap the bacon tightly around each chicken strip, spiraling it so it overlaps slightly and covers the entire tender. You may need to use a half-slice of bacon for shorter tenders or if you run out of full slices. Secure the end of the bacon with a toothpick if needed (remember to remove it before serving!).
5. Coat with Extra Brown Sugar (Optional): For an even more caramelized and sweet crust, gently press a little bit of extra brown sugar mixture onto the outside of the bacon-wrapped tenders.
6. Bake: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders seam-side down on the wire rack on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is wonderfully crispy and the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the bacon isn’t quite as crispy as you like, you can broil them for the last 1–2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning.
7. Rest & Serve: Remove the tenders from the oven. Let them cool slightly on the wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to firm up slightly. They’re super delicious with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or simply on their own!
Tips for Success
- Dry Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the rub stick better and promotes better browning.
- Use a Wire Rack: Baking on a wire rack allows fat to drip away and air to circulate, resulting in crispier bacon.
- Wrap Tightly: Wrapping the bacon tightly ensures it adheres to the chicken and crisps evenly.
- Monitor Broiling: If using the broiler, do not walk away! Bacon can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in seconds.
- Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Balance Sweet and Salty: The sweetness of the brown sugar is perfectly balanced by the salty bacon and kosher salt.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile, perfect for various occasions.
- Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties, game days, or potlucks. Pair with other crowd-pleasing chicken bites like Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- Main Dish: Serve alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Brunch Item: A unique and delicious addition to a savory brunch spread.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a tangy maple-Dijon dip.
- For other comforting and flavorful chicken dishes, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
While best enjoyed fresh and crispy, these tenders can be stored and reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The bacon may lose some of its crispness.
- Reheating: To regain crispness, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or in a preheated oven until warmed through and the bacon re-crisps. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy coating.
- Freezing: Cooked tenders can be frozen. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat as described above.
Final Thoughts
These Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a truly delightful and incredibly addictive treat that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. They’re easy to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and guarantee a burst of deliciousness in every crispy bite. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite chicken recipe!
What are your go-to sweet and savory flavor combinations, or do you have a secret for perfectly crispy bacon? Share your tips and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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