Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a deliciously sweet and savory dish that brings together the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon and tender chicken. These chicken tenders are wrapped in bacon and glazed with a mixture of brown sugar and soy sauce, delivering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, parties, or game day celebrations. Its simplicity and adaptability mean you can have this meal on the table in no time. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of bacon and chicken? This dish is not just loved by adults; kids adore it too, making it a foolproof choice for picky eaters!
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Creating Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is as easy as 1-2-3. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in under 30 minutes. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process.
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Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to create a glaze.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped chicken.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Use Thicker Bacon: While regular bacon works great, thicker cuts hold up better during the cooking process and give you extra crunch.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinating the chicken tenders in the glaze for an hour or two enhances the flavors tremendously.
- Glaze Twice: For added sweetness, brush the chicken with glaze halfway through cooking.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Use Parchment Paper: This not only makes clean-up easier but also prevents the bacon from sticking to the baking sheet.
Flavor Variations Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicy version.
- Maple Bacon: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup for a different sweet twist.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic powder to 1 teaspoon for a better garlic flavor.
- Herbed Chicken: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest to the glaze for a refreshing flavor.
Serving Suggestions Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
These delectable bacon-wrapped chicken tenders can be served in various ways. Here are some fantastic suggestions:
- With a Dipping Sauce: Pair your tenders with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a honey mustard for a delightful flavor combination.
- On a Salad: Slice the cooked tenders and serve them on a bed of mixed greens with your favorite vinaigrette.
- As Part of a Platter: Serve with a medley of fresh vegetables, crackers, and cheese for a perfect appetizer at parties.
- With Rice or Potatoes: Serve alongside rice pilaf or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them for later enjoyment. Place your cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tenders in a freezer-safe bag; they can last for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply oven-bake them at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|————|————|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
FAQ About Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?
To maintain crispy bacon, make sure the tenders are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Leaving space between each tender allows the hot air to circulate, promoting an evenly crispy texture. Cooking them on a wire rack placed on the baking sheet can also help excess fat drippings to escape during baking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! While chicken tenders provide a more tender bite, chicken breast cut into strips will work well. Just be mindful that you may need to adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through while also having crispy bacon.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar can be a good alternative, offering a similar sweetness and texture.
Are there any side effects from eating too much bacon?
While bacon is delicious, it’s high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to health issues if consumed excessively. Moderation is key. Enjoy these tenders as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple in your diet.
Can this recipe be made in an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you prefer cooking in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders for 12-15 minutes or until they reach the desired crispiness. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a fantastic dish that brings joy to any meal. Their combination of flavors and textures is simply unbeatable, and they are easy enough for anyone to make. Whether you’re serving them at an event or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful sweetness of the brown sugar paired with the savory goodness of bacon and chicken—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Crispy and tender chicken tenders wrapped in bacon and glazed with a sweet brown sugar and soy sauce mixture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to create a glaze.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped chicken.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For added sweetness, brush the chicken with glaze halfway through cooking. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
