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 perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. The crispy bacon wraps around tender chicken strips, while the brown sugar caramelizes to create an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only five ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of smoky bacon and rich brown sugar creates a delightful balance that appeals to all taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these tenders on their own as an appetizer, or serve them over rice, salad, or even waffles for a unique twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These tenders are sure to impress your guests at any party or gathering, making you the star of the show.
• Minimal Cleanup: Using a foil-lined baking sheet means less mess and easy cleanup after enjoying this delicious dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet: This allows for even cooking and makes cleanup simple.
• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl helps combine ingredients easily without spilling.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting chicken into uniform strips for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 strips bacon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

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How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Slice each chicken breast into four long, thin strips. You should have eight tenders total.

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

Wrap each chicken strip with one slice of bacon. Arrange 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 adds an extra layer of sweetness as they bake.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes. Check to ensure that the bacon is crispy and that the chicken is fully cooked. For added crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end—just be sure to watch closely!

Step 7: Serve Hot

Enjoy these delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders fresh from the oven! They make a fantastic appetizer or can be served over salad, rice, or even waffles for a fun dining experience!

How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways to suit your taste and occasion.

As an Appetizer

• Perfect for parties: Serve these tenders on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Dipping sauces: Offer ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard for added flavor.

Over a Salad

• Fresh greens: Place the warm chicken tenders atop mixed greens for a hearty salad.
• Add-ons: Include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for extra crunch.

With Waffles

• Sweet and savory combo: Pair the chicken tenders with waffles for an exciting brunch dish.
• Maple syrup drizzle: A touch of syrup enhances the sweetness of the dish.

On Rice

• Flavorful base: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious juices.
• Garnish: Top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

How to Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

To achieve the best results with your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose quality bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor.
• Even coating: Ensure chicken strips are evenly coated in the brown sugar mixture for uniform sweetness.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning the bacon.
• Broil for crispiness: Adding a brief broil at the end gives extra crunch—just don’t walk away!
• Let them rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain moisture.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add garlic powder or paprika to the brown sugar mixture for extra depth of flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Pairing sides with your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw balances out the sweetness of the chicken.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort and pair well with the tenders.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds a sweet touch that complements bacon nicely.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness enhances the flavors of the chicken tenders.
5. Green Beans Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds provide a nice crunch and contrast.
6. Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons make this a great sidekick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken strips can lead to bland tenders. Always coat them well in the brown sugar mixture for extra flavor.
• Using thick bacon: Thick-cut bacon may not crisp properly in the baking time recommended. Opt for regular or thin bacon for the best results.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many tenders in one dish can cause uneven cooking. Space them out for even heat distribution and crispy bacon.
• Not monitoring cooking time: Baking too long can dry out the chicken. Keep an eye on your tenders, checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
• Skipping broiling: For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end. Just be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep in the fridge if you plan to eat leftovers soon.

Freezing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 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 a microwave-safe plate for about 1-2 minutes, but this may result in less crispy bacon.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

You can keep this recipe gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, including brown sugar, do not contain gluten additives.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes! Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just note that it may not be as crispy.

What can I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair well with salads, rice dishes, or even waffles for a fun twist on dinner!

How long do Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders last?

If stored properly in the refrigerator, they can last up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Consider adding spices like paprika or garlic powder to the brown sugar mix for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or served over various sides, these tenders promise to please any crowd. Feel free to customize them with your favorite spices or dips!