Introduction
Who doesn’t love the irresistible combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and sweet brown sugar? If you’re searching for a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, you’re in the right place. Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are your answer to a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. This dish is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. But don’t just take my word for it—try it out yourself and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. First off, they’re super simple to make, with just a handful of ingredients. Plus, the prep work is minimal, making this a great option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The combination of crispy bacon and the caramelized sweetness from the brown sugar makes for a flavor explosion in every bite. Trust me, these are the chicken tenders you didn’t know you needed in your life.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
One of the best things about this recipe is the harmony between the sweetness of the brown sugar and the saltiness of the bacon. This balance is what makes these chicken tenders so addictive. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main dish, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients Needed
Chicken Tenders: Start with boneless, skinless chicken tenders. They’re the perfect size and cook quickly.
Bacon: Regular or thick-cut bacon will work here. Choose your preference, but just remember that thicker bacon may need a bit more time to cook.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is ideal for this recipe as it caramelizes beautifully, creating a sweet, sticky glaze on the bacon.
Optional Spices and Seasonings
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder: For a little extra flavor depth.
Black Pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right amount of heat.
Equipment and Tools
Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even cooking.
Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Toothpicks: Use these to secure the bacon around the chicken tenders.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Tenders
Start by seasoning your chicken tenders with your chosen spices. A simple combination of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper works wonderfully. The seasoning enhances the flavor of the chicken and complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Wrapping the Chicken with Bacon
Next, wrap each chicken tender with a strip of bacon. Start at one end and wrap tightly, making sure to cover the entire tender. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place. This step is key to ensuring that the bacon stays wrapped around the chicken during cooking.
Coating with Brown Sugar
Once your chicken tenders are wrapped in bacon, it’s time to coat them in brown sugar. Roll each tender in the brown sugar, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. The sugar will melt and caramelize in the oven, creating a sweet, sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the savory bacon.
Baking the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the chicken through while getting the bacon crispy.
Baking Time and Tips: Place the chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning the sugar. You might want to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Dipping Sauces
Honey Mustard: The tanginess of honey mustard pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy element to each bite.
Side Dishes
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side dish that complements the rich flavors of the chicken tenders.
Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve these tenders with a side of steamed vegetables. The freshness will balance out the richness of the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Choosing the Right Bacon: Opt for a high-quality bacon that’s not too thick or too thin. This ensures that it crisps up nicely without overcooking the chicken.
How to Avoid Soggy Bacon: To prevent soggy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon strips before wrapping them around the chicken tenders. This gives them a head start and helps achieve that crispy texture.
Achieving the Perfect Caramelization: Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking the chicken tenders. This helps the brown sugar caramelize quickly, resulting in a beautiful glaze.
Variations and Add-ons
Spicy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar for a sweet and spicy kick.
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Tenders: Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the chicken tenders during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Herb-Infused Chicken Tenders: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix for a fragrant twist on the classic recipe.
Storing and Reheating The Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
Oven: Reheat the chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Air Fryer: An air fryer is a great option for reheating, as it will help crisp up the bacon again.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders that are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give them a try, and watch as these irresistible tenders disappear from the plate in no time.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking to cut down on fat. Just be aware that it may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.
How do I keep the bacon crispy?
Partially cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken tenders can help achieve a crispy finish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What other seasonings can I use?
Feel free to get creative with your spices. Chili powder, smoked paprika, or even a little cumin can add an interesting twist to the flavor profile.