Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer! With just five simple ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, they’re sticky, smoky, salty, and perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. Crispy bacon wraps tender chicken strips while brown sugar caramelizes to perfection—absolutely irresistible!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Chicken Ingredients
• Bacon Ingredients
• Seasoning Ingredients
• How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Chicken
• Step 3: Season & Coat
• Step 4: Wrap in Bacon
• Step 5: Top with Sugar
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• As an Appetizer
• Over Salads
• With Rice or Quinoa
• On Waffles
• For Game Day
• How to Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Best Side Dishes for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Reheating Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
• Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
• How do I make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders spicier?
• What sides pair well with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
• Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only five ingredients and a prep time of just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar creates a delightful flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these chicken tenders as an appetizer, or serve them over salad, rice, or even waffles for a unique twist at dinner.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These tenders are sure to impress guests at parties or family events. They’re a hit with both kids and adults!
• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making this recipe even more convenient.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, gather the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet: Enables easy cleanup and ensures even cooking without sticking.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your seasonings with chicken strips efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when slicing chicken breasts into tenders.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting chicken without damaging countertops.

Ingredients

For these delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Bacon Ingredients

• 8 strips bacon

Seasoning Ingredients

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken tenders cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Slice each chicken breast into 4 long, thin strips (for 8 tenders total). Use a sharp knife for precise cuts.

Step 3: Season & Coat

In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture until they are well coated.

Step 4: Wrap in Bacon

Take one strip of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender. Place the wrapped tenders in a baking dish or on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Top with Sugar

Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture over the wrapped chicken tenders. This will enhance the caramelization during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes. Ensure that the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

Step 7: Serve Hot

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are best served fresh out of the oven. Enjoy them as an appetizer or over salad, rice, or even on waffles for something different!

How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can be enjoyed in many ways, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm: Enjoy these tenders fresh from the oven for maximum flavor.
• Pair with dipping sauces: Try ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for an extra kick.

Over Salads

• Create a salad bowl: Slice the tenders and serve over mixed greens with your favorite dressing.
• Add toppings: Include cherry tomatoes, avocado, or crunchy nuts for added texture.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Make it a meal: Serve the chicken tenders over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling dinner.
• Flavor boost: Drizzle with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce to enhance the taste.

On Waffles

• Sweet and savory twist: Top waffles with chicken tenders and drizzle with syrup for a fun brunch idea.
• Garnish: Add fresh fruit or whipped cream to make it even more indulgent.

For Game Day

• Finger food platter: Arrange tenders on a platter with celery and carrots for dipping.
• Pair with drinks: Serve alongside beer or cocktails for the perfect game day snack.

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How to Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

To ensure your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use thick-cut bacon: This will provide more flavor and help keep the chicken moist while cooking.
• Ensure even coating: Make sure each chicken strip is well-coated in the brown sugar mixture for balanced sweetness.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the oven; cooking times may vary based on your oven’s calibration.
• Broil at the end: For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes after baking—just monitor closely to prevent burning.
• Let them rest: Allow the chicken tenders to sit for a few minutes after baking before serving; this helps retain juiciness.

Best Side Dishes for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These tasty Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complete your meal.

1. Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the chicken.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes that complement the savory flavors of bacon.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until crispy add color and nutrients.
4. Cornbread: A sweet and buttery side that adds southern charm to your plate.
5. Baked Beans: The smoky flavor of baked beans pairs perfectly with sweet chicken tenders.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac adds comfort and richness to your meal.
7. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus provides a healthy contrast to the rich flavors of bacon and sugar.

Enjoy creating memorable meals with these serving suggestions and sides that enhance your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken strips can lead to bland taste. Ensure you coat them well with the brown sugar mixture.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Placing too many tenders in one dish can result in uneven cooking. Make sure they have space to crisp up properly.
• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on time can be risky. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
• Ignoring bacon quality: Using low-quality bacon may affect flavor and texture. Choose thick-cut bacon for better results.
• Not letting them rest: Cutting into the tenders right after baking can cause juices to run out. Let them sit for a few minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Place cooled tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through, but may lose some crispiness.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are chicken strips wrapped in bacon and coated with brown sugar, creating a delicious sweet and savory appetizer.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This recipe works great with pork tenderloin or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

How do I make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture for an extra kick.

What sides pair well with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

Serve them with a fresh salad, rice, or even waffles for a fun twist on dinner!

Can I make these tenders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep them in advance and bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are not only irresistible but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or paired with your favorite sides, they’re sure to impress at any gathering. Feel free to customize them by adding spices or trying different dipping sauces!