Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders glazed with caramelized brown sugar? That’s a winning combination I can never resist. It’s one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into something irresistibly delicious.

I first made these on a busy weeknight when I wanted something quick but satisfying, and they instantly became a family favorite. The smoky, crispy bacon pairs beautifully with the sweet, slightly sticky brown sugar coating, creating a bite that’s both savory and sweet.

What I love most is how effortlessly they come together—just a handful of ingredients, a little prep, and the oven does the rest. As they bake, the kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling bacon and caramelized sugar, making it impossible to wait until they’re done.

These chicken tenders work just as well for an easy weeknight dinner as they do for game-day snacks or party appetizers. They disappear fast, so I always make extra! If you’re looking for a foolproof way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort, this is it.

Short Description

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders combine tender chicken, crispy bacon, and caramelized brown sugar for a mouthwatering dish that’s sweet, smoky, and savory. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or easy dinner!

Key Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 strips of bacon

Tools Needed

• Baking dish
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the bacon cooks evenly and the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast into four long, thin strips, making sure they are similar in size to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken strips in the mixture, coating each piece well.

Step 4: Wrap in Bacon

Take one bacon strip and wrap it tightly around each chicken strip. Make sure the ends are tucked underneath or secured with a toothpick to prevent unraveling.

Step 5: Arrange in the Baking Dish

Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in a single layer in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the top.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and crisp. If you prefer extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – Just five ingredients create a dish that’s packed with flavor.

Perfect texture – Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and sticky brown sugar make each bite delicious.

Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for parties, family dinners, or even meal prep.

Easy to make – No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.

Customizable – Easily adjust seasoning, spice level, or bacon type.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Bacon Not Cooking Evenly

Solution: Use thin-cut bacon instead of thick-cut for even crisping. If needed, broil for the last few minutes.

2. Chicken Drying Out

Solution: Avoid overbaking. Check at 20 minutes and remove when the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

3. Brown Sugar Burning

Solution: If the sugar starts to burn, tent the dish loosely with foil and continue baking.

4. Bacon Unraveling

Solution: Wrap bacon snugly and tuck the ends underneath or use toothpicks to secure them.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Dipping sauces: Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
– Side dishes: Roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or a fresh salad.
– Drinks: Pairs beautifully with iced tea, lemonade, or a smoky bourbon cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Wrap tenders in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or air-fry at 375°F for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, but turkey bacon is leaner and won’t crisp up as much. Consider broiling at the end for extra texture.

2. How do I make this spicier?
Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

3. Can I prep these in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the tenders, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What’s the best way to get crispy bacon?
Use thin-cut bacon, bake on a wire rack, and broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

5. Can I air-fry these instead?
Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Tips & Tricks

– Use dark brown sugar for a richer caramelized coating.
– Let the tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
– Add a sprinkle of chili powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.

Recipe Variations

1. Maple-Glazed Bacon Chicken
Swap brown sugar for ¼ cup maple syrup.
Drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving.

2. Spicy Honey Bacon Chicken
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture.
Drizzle with hot honey after baking.

3. Garlic Parmesan Bacon Chicken
Reduce brown sugar to ¼ cup.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garlic powder before baking.

Final Thoughts:

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders prove that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the biggest flavors. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and caramelized brown sugar is pure comfort food at its best.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can add a little heat with cayenne pepper, swap the brown sugar for maple syrup, or even experiment with different types of bacon. No matter how you make them, the result is always delicious.

If you haven’t tried these yet, I highly recommend giving them a go. Just be prepared for them to disappear fast—you might want to double the batch!