Looking for a quick and easy recipe that’s packed with flavor? Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the answer! This recipe brings together crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a sweet brown sugar glaze that makes these chicken tenders irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or a full meal, these tenders will quickly become a family favorite. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, these chicken tenders are an easy win.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 4 Simple Ingredients: This recipe only requires chicken tenders, bacon, brown sugar, and some seasoning. Easy, right?
• Sweet & Savory Perfection: The caramelized brown sugar and smoky bacon create a perfect balance of flavors.
• Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside: The bacon wraps the chicken in a crispy shell while keeping it juicy on the inside.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving this as an appetizer or making it the star of dinner, these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders work for any occasion.

Ingredients (Makes 4-6 Servings)

To make these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you’ll need:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (boneless, skinless)
• 8-10 slices of bacon (use thin-cut bacon for best results)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds a great smoky flavor)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for a spicy kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for cooking the chicken tenders to golden-brown perfection.
2. Prepare your baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to elevate the chicken tenders. The rack helps the bacon crisp up evenly, allowing fat to drain away from the chicken.

Step 2: Wrap the Chicken in Bacon

1. Take your chicken tenders and season them with garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. These seasonings will help to flavor the chicken, giving it an added depth beyond just the bacon.
2. Wrap each chicken tender tightly with one slice of bacon. If necessary, secure the bacon with toothpicks to hold it in place. The bacon will shrink slightly while cooking, so ensure it’s wrapped snugly but not too tight.
3. For an extra crispy exterior, you can use thin-cut bacon, which cooks faster and crisps up more easily than thick-cut bacon.

Step 3: Coat with Brown Sugar

1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and chili powder (if using). The sugar adds sweetness and a caramelized texture, while the chili powder gives the dish a mild kick.
2. Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. The sugar will melt as it bakes, creating a sweet and savory glaze that will harden slightly, giving the chicken tenders a sticky, delicious coating.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the wire rack, making sure they’re spaced out evenly so the heat can circulate around them.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get crispy.
3. For a crispier finish, broil the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them while broiling, as the bacon can burn quickly under high heat.

Step 5: Let Them Rest and Serve

1. After baking, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute inside the chicken, making them more flavorful and juicy.
2. Serve the tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are great options to complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and the smokiness of the bacon.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Tip 1: Use Thin-Cut Bacon

For best results, use thin-cut bacon instead of thick-cut bacon. Thin-cut bacon crisps up better and cooks more evenly, ensuring that both the bacon and chicken cook through at the same time.

Tip 2: Spice Things Up

If you like a bit of heat, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper over the brown sugar or drizzle some hot honey on top of the cooked chicken tenders. This will give them a spicy-sweet twist that will satisfy your taste buds.

Tip 3: Air Fryer Method

If you want an even quicker method, you can cook these chicken tenders in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken tenders for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The air fryer will make them extra crispy without needing to turn on the oven.

Tip 4: Add Cheese

For an extra indulgent twist, top the chicken tenders with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking. The melted cheese will add richness to the flavor and make them even more irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep these tenders the night before. Wrap the chicken in bacon and coat them with brown sugar, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or parties.

Can I Freeze Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

Absolutely! If you want to make these in advance, freeze them before baking. Place the wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 35-40 minutes.

What Sauces Pair Well with These Tenders?

Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and honey mustard are excellent dipping choices. If you like a spicy kick, try sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect dish for anyone who loves a combination of sweet and savory flavors. With minimal effort and a few basic ingredients, you can make a dish that’s both delicious and impressive. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, game day snacks, or a party appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. Try these chicken tenders today and watch them disappear off the plate in no time!