Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Did you know that combining savory and sweet flavors can elevate your meals to a whole new level? If you’re one of the many home cooks wondering how to impress your family or friends with a delectable dish, look no further than Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. This recipe not only features juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon but also balances the saltiness of the bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar for a meal that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients List

• 1 pound chicken tenders: Tender, juicy, and easy to cook. For a healthier option, consider using turkey tenders.
• 8 slices of bacon: Choose a thick-cut variety for maximum flavor. Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Light or dark both work well; dark brown sugar adds a more intense flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: For a hint of smokiness; smoked paprika is an excellent substitution.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor without overwhelming it.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked for optimal taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Adjust according to your preference—consider using a low-sodium option for a healthier dish.
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds color and freshness.

Timing

This Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe takes about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. Remarkably, this is 20% less time than the average chicken tender recipe, making it a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook thoroughly while enabling the bacon to crisp up perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This blend will be the magic that transforms your chicken tenders.

Step 3: Wrap the Chicken

Take each chicken tender and coat it with the brown sugar mixture. Then, wrap it in a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. Ensure the bacon overlaps slightly for the best coverage.

Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Place the wrapped tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step helps to catch the drippings and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. For an even crispier finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and then indulge in these delightful Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders!

Nutritional Information

For one serving (roughly two tenders), expect approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 8g

This dish, packed with protein and flavor, offers a satisfying option for dinner without being overly indulgent.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To give your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders a healthier twist, consider these alternatives:

• Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Use for additional fiber and crunch.
• Air Frying: Instead of baking, use an air fryer for reduced oil and enhanced crispiness.
• Coconut Sugar: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these flavorful tenders with:

• Fresh Garden Salad: A refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness complements the bacon and brown sugar beautifully.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for an exciting twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken tenders cook quickly; check for doneness at 15 minutes to avoid drying them out.
2. Not Securing the Bacon: Make sure the bacon is tightly wrapped. Loose bacon can unwrap during cooking.
3. Skipping the Baking Sheet: Don’t skip lining the sheet! It makes cleanup much easier.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your leftovers fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer bags and freeze for up to a month.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain crispiness.

Conclusion

With a perfect balance of savory and sweet, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are easy to prepare and delightful to eat. They’re an instant crowd-pleaser and a fun recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Why not give them a try? We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Cut the chicken breasts into strips to create your own tenders.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute the brown sugar mixture with gluten-free alternatives. Ensure bacon is certified gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! You can wrap the chicken in bacon and coat it with the brown sugar mixture up to a day in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

Dive into crafting this delicious dish and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors tonight! If you find this recipe helpful, feel free to explore other flavorful recipes and cooking tips on our blog!

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, featuring juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet brown sugar mixture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 pieces

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders Tender, juicy, and easy to cook. For a healthier option, consider using turkey tenders.
• 8 slices bacon Choose a thick-cut variety for maximum flavor. Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar Light or dark both work well; dark brown sugar adds a more intense flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika For a hint of smokiness; smoked paprika is an excellent substitution.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances the flavor without overwhelming it.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Freshly cracked for optimal taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt Adjust according to your preference—consider using a low-sodium option for a healthier dish.
• optional chopped fresh parsley Adds color and freshness.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
• Take each chicken tender, coat it with the brown sugar mixture, and then wrap it in a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
• Place the wrapped tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cooking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an even crispier finish.
• Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and then serve.

Notes

To improve this recipe, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber, or air fry instead of baking for reduced oil. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for a month.

Keyword Bacon Recipe, Brown Sugar Chicken, Chicken Tenders

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest