why make this recipe

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender chicken and crispy bacon is irresistible, making it a go-to recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party snack. The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor, while the brown sugar caramelizes during baking, creating a delightful crust. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon? This dish is sure to impress and bring a smile to anyone who tries it!

how to make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is simple and quick. You’re just a few steps away from a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor. Gather your ingredients and let’s get started!

Ingredients :

1 pound chicken tenders
8 slices bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions :

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken tenders will cook evenly and become crispy.
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken tenders a sweet and flavorful coating.
Wrap each chicken tender in a slice of bacon. Make sure each piece is covered well. If the bacon isn’t staying in place, secure it with a toothpick.
Roll the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the brown sugar mixture until they are well coated. This step is key! It will help create a deliciously caramelized crust.
Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent sticking.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Keep an eye on them; you want that bacon to be nice and crunchy.
Serve warm and enjoy the sweet-and-savory flavors of your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. They are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish!

how to serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can be served in a few fun and engaging ways. Here are some suggestions:

As Appetizers: Cut the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking. They are perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
With Dipping Sauces: Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces. Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing can complement the flavors of the bacon and brown sugar.
With Side Dishes: Serve them alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. The sweetness from the chicken can balance out the freshness of the salad or the creaminess of the potatoes.

how to store Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Storing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders properly is important to retain their flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:

In the Fridge: After the chicken tenders have cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, and they can last for about 2-3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to eat them, reheat the chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated thoroughly. This will help restore some of the bacon’s crispiness.

tips to make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly:

Use Thin Bacon: Thin slices of bacon will wrap around the chicken tenders more easily and will get crispy during cooking. Thick bacon may not cook as evenly.
Marinating Option: For an extra boost of flavor, consider marinating your chicken tenders in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before wrapping them in bacon.
Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add other spices or seasonings to the brown sugar mixture. Cayenne pepper can give it a little kick, or add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Monitor Cooking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the chicken tenders as they bake. You want to remove them as soon as the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.

variation

There are several ways you can change up this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Add Cheese: Try adding a slice of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, on top of the chicken tenders before wrapping them in bacon. The melted cheese will add a delicious creaminess.
Try Other Meats: You can use other types of meat as well. Turkey bacon can be used for a healthier option. You could even try wrapping sweet potatoes or vegetables with bacon for a vegetarian twist.
BBQ Glaze: Brush barbecue sauce on the bacon wrap before rolling them in brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but make sure to thaw them completely before wrapping them in bacon. Cook time may vary slightly, so ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

2. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative to regular bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may not get as crispy, but it will still be delicious!

3. How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can make it healthier by using skinless chicken breast or chicken strips instead of tenderloins. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.

4. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make a substitute by mixing regular granulated sugar with a bit of molasses. Use one cup of white sugar mixed with one tablespoon of molasses for a dark brown sugar substitute.

5. Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders in advance. Wrap them in bacon and coat them in brown sugar, then cover and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight before baking them. This can help the flavors meld together!

Enjoy making and sharing these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders; they are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Author: mohamed175
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken tenders
8 slices bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Wrap each chicken tender in a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
Roll the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the brown sugar mixture until well coated.
Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in olive oil, salt, and pepper before wrapping in bacon.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chicken tenders, bacon, sweet and savory, easy dinner, party snack