Hey y'all! If you're looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a crave-worthy dinner option, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are where sweet meets savory in the best way. Juicy chicken tenders are wrapped in smoky bacon, coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, and baked to crispy perfection. Whether it's game night, a family meal, or a potluck, these flavorful bites disappear in minutes. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The combination of crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar is irresistible.
- Super simple to prep with just a handful of ingredients.
- Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a main dish for dinner.
- Bakes up in just 30 minutes for quick entertaining or weeknight meals.
- Easily customizable with spices or different dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (about 12 pieces)
- 12 slices bacon (thin-cut works best)
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken & Seasoning
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly coat the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 2: Wrap and Coat the Tenders
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping the edges. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar spice mixture, pressing lightly to coat all sides.
Step 3: Bake the Tenders
- Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared rack, spacing them apart to allow air circulation.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Let the tenders rest 3-4 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- For extra caramelization, broil the chicken tenders for 2 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Thin-cut bacon works best as it crisps up evenly with the chicken.
- Don’t crowd the pan—space the tenders so the bacon gets crispy on all sides.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush the bacon-wrapped tenders with a mix of honey and Dijon for extra tang.
- BBQ Style: Swap smoked paprika for BBQ seasoning and add a drizzle of BBQ sauce before baking.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet (rimmed)
- Wire rack (oven-safe)
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Not recommended for freezing, as texture may suffer.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with creamy ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Pair with coleslaw, roasted veggies, or baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Perfect addition to a party platter with sliders and chips.
Pro Tips
- Pat chicken tenders dry before wrapping for the best caramelization.
- If using thick bacon, partially cook it before wrapping so it crisps thoroughly.
- Line your pan with foil for easy cleanup—brown sugar can get sticky!
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders? Yes! Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips the size of tenders for this recipe.
- Are these good for meal prep? Absolutely—they reheat well and stay flavorful for 2-3 days.
- Can I grill these instead of baking? Yes, grill over medium heat, turning frequently, until the bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (about 12 pieces)
- 12 slices bacon (thin-cut works best)
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly coat the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
-
2In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
-
3Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping the edges. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
-
4Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar spice mixture, pressing lightly to coat all sides.
-
5Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared rack, spacing them apart to allow air circulation.
-
6Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
-
7Let the tenders rest 3-4 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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