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've 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 20-25 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's 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

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.

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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.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can wrap the chicken with bacon and prepare the brown sugar mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and coat with the sugar mixture just before baking for best results.

→ What sides pair well with these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders?

These tenders pair wonderfully with lighter sides to balance the richness. Try a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or even sweet potato fries. For a complete meal, a side of rice or quinoa works well too.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! If using chicken breasts, slice them into tender-sized strips (about 1-inch wide). You may need to adjust cooking time slightly - use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

→ Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, these work great in an air fryer. Cook at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. The bacon will get extra crispy and the sugar will caramelize beautifully. Just be sure to secure the bacon well with toothpicks.

→ How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

The chicken tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into one tender - the meat should be completely white with no pink remaining.

→ Can I freeze these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders?

Yes, you can freeze them either before or after cooking. If freezing raw, assemble completely then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. If freezing cooked tenders, allow to cool completely first. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until heated through.