INTRODUCTION
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are sweet, salty, and simple to make. They crisp on the outside and stay juicy inside. You can bake them in one pan. This recipe uses bacon and brown sugar to make a sticky, tasty coating. It is great for weeknights, parties, or a cozy meal.
If you like easy chicken recipes, you might also enjoy a rich pasta skillet like the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet. That dish gives bold flavor in one pan and fits well with easy dinner plans.
This article shows simple steps, tools you need, serving ideas, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Follow the clear steps and you will make a great dish.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for several reasons. The bacon adds a smoky salt taste. The brown sugar adds sweet and caramel notes. Together they make a glaze that sticks to the chicken. The tenders cook fast. You can make this in about 30 minutes. The recipe uses few ingredients and easy steps. Kids and adults often like this mix of sweet and savory. The result looks nice on a plate and tastes like a treat.
HOW TO MAKE Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
This recipe keeps things simple. You wrap chicken with bacon, roll them in a brown sugar mix, and bake. Use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place. Do not crowd the baking sheet. The hot oven will crisp the bacon and cook the chicken through. Read the equipment list and ingredients first. Then follow the steps in order. For another fun make-ahead idea, try a pull-apart bread or sweet snack like Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread as a side or party food.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small bowl for the brown sugar mix
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpicks
- Tongs or fork for handling the tenders
- Oven mitts
- Pastry brush or spoon for the olive oil
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Dip the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly.
- Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tenders.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Serve these tenders hot from the oven. They pair well with simple sides. Try steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or roasted potatoes. For a casual meal, add carrot sticks and ranch for dipping. For a heartier plate, place the tenders over rice or mashed potatoes. If you want a shareable appetizer, cut the tenders into bite-size pieces and serve on a platter with toothpicks. For a sweet side or dessert, consider serving holiday-style treats like Christmas Present Brownies later in the meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Store leftover tenders in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes. This keeps the bacon crisp and the chicken moist.
For freezing, wrap the cooked tenders in foil and place them in a freezer bag. Label with the date. Freeze for up to 2 months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
You can also freeze them before baking. Wrap raw bacon-wrapped tenders on a tray and freeze until solid. Then move them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen but add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time and check that the internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Offer dipping sauces on the side, like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch.
- Place over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the glaze.
- Make sliders by using small rolls and adding pickles and lettuce.
These tenders also work well for parties. Serve them on a large platter with toothpicks. Add small bowls of sauces so guests can choose their favorite.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the brown sugar mix for heat.
- Maple: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a sticky, maple glaze.
- Herb: Mix finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary into the brown sugar for a fresh flavor.
- Glaze: Brush with a mix of brown sugar and a little apple cider vinegar before baking for extra tang.
- Bacon swap: Use thick-cut or turkey bacon if you prefer. Adjust cook time to crisp the bacon.
These tweaks keep the main method but change the flavor profile. Try small tests to find your ideal mix.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A: Yes. Use thin slices or cut breasts into strips. Watch the cooking time. Thicker pieces need more time.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of a tender.
Q: Can I make this without toothpicks?
A: You can try to wrap the bacon tightly, but toothpicks help keep the bacon in place. Use kitchen twine if you prefer, but remove it before serving.
Q: Will the brown sugar burn in the oven?
A: The sugar will caramelize and form a glaze. If it gets too dark, lower the oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook a bit longer. Place the tray lower in the oven if the top browns too fast.
Q: Can I bake these on a wire rack?
A: Yes. A wire rack lets heat circulate and can make the bacon crispier. Place the rack over the baking sheet to catch drips.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
You can prepare parts of this recipe in advance. Wrap the chicken with bacon and place them on a tray. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Mix the brown sugar seasoning ahead and store it in a small container. When ready, dip the wrapped tenders in the mix and bake.
If you want to freeze prepped but uncooked tenders, freeze them on a tray until firm, then move them to a freezer bag. When baking from frozen, add more time and check the chicken thermometer. Make the dish a day ahead and reheat in the oven to keep it crisp.
Keep sauces and sides separate until serving to keep textures fresh.
Conclusion
If you want another version of this idea, you can find a step-by-step guide at Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe that shows similar tips and photos. For more simple home-cooked ideas, check a trusted kitchen recipe page like Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders – Dinner, then Dessert. To see a short online recipe note with a quick overview, visit Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders – Yeyfood.com: Recipes ….
Enjoy making these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. They are easy, tasty, and a good dish for many occasions.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Dip the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly.
- Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tenders.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!