Mouthwatering Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

This bacon-wrapped chicken tender recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouth-watering treat that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. The caramelized brown sugar coating creates an irresistible glaze while the bacon adds a smoky richness that elevates these simple tenders into something truly special.

I discovered this recipe when hosting an impromptu game night and needed something quick but impressive. These tenders disappeared faster than any other dish I have ever served with everyone requesting the recipe before they left.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: Provide the perfect portion size and cook quickly Look for fresh plump tenders without any discoloration
• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and keeps the chicken moist Choose medium thickness bacon that will crisp nicely without burning
• Brown sugar: Creates a caramelized coating Dark brown sugar provides deeper molasses flavor if you have it available
• Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that enhances the bacon Spanish paprika works beautifully here
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering Fresh garlic would burn in this recipe
• Black pepper: Provides a slight heat that balances the sweetness perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the chicken This temperature is crucial for proper caramelization without burning the sugar

Prepare The Chicken:

Examine your chicken tenders and if they seem particularly large slice them lengthwise to create more uniformly sized pieces This ensures they cook evenly and makes them easier to wrap

Wrap With Bacon:

Take each chicken tender and wrap a slice of bacon around it starting at one end and spiraling down to the other If needed secure with a toothpick The bacon should cover most of the chicken without overlapping too much

Create The Sweet Rub:

Combine brown sugar paprika garlic powder and black pepper in a small bowl mixing thoroughly until completely incorporated The mixture should look like damp sand when properly combined

Apply The Coating:

Gently press the brown sugar mixture onto all sides of each bacon wrapped tender Ensure you get an even coating that will caramelize beautifully in the oven

Bake To Perfection:

Arrange your prepared tenders on a parchment lined baking sheet leaving a bit of space between each piece Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crispy the sugar has caramelized and the chicken reaches 165°F internally

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The paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe While it might seem like a minor ingredient it brings a depth that ties together the sweetness of the brown sugar and the savoriness of the bacon When my family smells this distinctive aroma filling the kitchen they always come running to check if it is these famous chicken tenders

Make-Ahead Options

These bacon wrapped tenders can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance Simply assemble them through the coating stage cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate When ready to cook allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last minute preparation

Serving Suggestions

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These versatile tenders pair beautifully with lighter sides that balance their richness A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette cuts through the sweetness perfectly For a more substantial meal serve alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes They also make excellent appetizers when cut into bite sized pieces and served with toothpicks

Flavor Variations

While this classic version is delicious as is there are several ways to customize the flavor profile Adding a teaspoon of chili powder creates a sweet and spicy version that adults particularly enjoy For a more complex flavor incorporate a tablespoon of dijon mustard into the brown sugar mixture You can also experiment with different types of bacon such as maple or pepper crusted varieties for subtle flavor variations

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I get these chicken tenders ready before I need them?

Sure thing! Just wrap your chicken in bacon and prep the sweet sugar mix up to a whole day in advance. Tuck everything in the fridge and wait to roll the chicken in sugar until you’re about to bake for the best crust.

→ What are some good side dishes to have with these bacon chicken tenders?

Balance out these rich, crispy tenders with something light. Toss together a fresh salad, roast some veggies, steam up broccoli, or throw in some sweet potato fries. If you're going for a heartier meal, rice or quinoa works great too.

→ Is it ok to swap out chicken tenders for regular chicken breasts?

Absolutely, you can! Slice chicken breasts into thin strips, about an inch wide, and use just like tenders. The cooking time might be a bit different—check the center with a meat thermometer to make sure it hits 165°F (74°C).

→ Can I make these chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Oh yes, the air fryer works perfectly. Set it to 375°F and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping over halfway through. The bacon gets even crispier and the sugar bubbles up nicely. Use toothpicks to keep that bacon in place.

→ How can I tell when the chicken is totally cooked?

Once the internal temp reads 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy, you’re good to go. No thermometer? Just cut one open—the middle should be completely white, not pink at all.

→ Is it possible to freeze these bacon chicken tenders?

Yep, freeze them before or after baking. If you freeze before cooking, build them first then freeze flat. For cooked ones, wait 'til they've cooled. Reheat straight from the freezer in a 350°F oven until they're warmed through.