The aroma of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders wafts through your kitchen, and suddenly it feels like a gourmet restaurant has taken over your home. The sweet and savory blend of crispy bacon with tender chicken coated in caramelized brown sugar creates an irresistible dish that will make your taste buds dance.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen chicken for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
- What can I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
- How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made these chicken tenders; my friends were convinced I had some secret culinary training. They devoured the entire platter within minutes, leaving me to wonder if I should have made a double batch. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or just because you want to treat yourself, this recipe guarantees flavor and fun.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors is truly addictive
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown color, they make an impressive dish for any occasion
- They’re versatile enough to serve as a main dish or appetizer, perfect for parties or family gatherings
Sharing these chicken tenders with friends led to laughter, joy, and a few playful food fights over the last piece.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts depending on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and flavor.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient is key for that sweet caramelized finish.
Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder adds depth without overwhelming the sweetness.
Paprika: Smoked paprika elevates the flavor profile with a subtle smokiness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on these staples!
For the Sauce:
Honey: A drizzle enhances the sweetness while balancing flavors beautifully.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over saltiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Prepare your kitchen by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Cut chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide. Season generously with salt and pepper to ensure each bite is flavorful.
Crisp Up That Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Let it cool slightly before crumbling it into pieces—this step adds a delightful texture.
Create the Sweet Coating: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well until everything is evenly blended; this will be the magic dust on our chicken.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into honey, then coat it in the brown sugar mixture. Ensure every inch is covered; you want that sweet goodness all over!
Add Bacon Goodness: Press crumbled bacon onto each coated chicken strip until they’re generously adorned. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, keeping some space between each piece.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and edges are crispy. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and give off an enticing aroma!
Now that you’ve made these delightful Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, gather your friends or family around a table filled with laughter—and perhaps some extra napkins! Enjoy every last bite while reminiscing about how simple yet impressive this dish turned out to be!
You Must Know
- The secret to the perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders lies in marinating
- Letting them soak in the sweet and savory flavors elevates each bite
- The sizzling sound as they cook creates mouthwatering anticipation, while the aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone eager for dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken tenders until golden brown, then finish baking them in the oven for maximum tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick, or swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For juicy tenders, avoid overcooking them
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F
- Marinating overnight yields deeper flavors and better texture
- Always let chicken rest post-cooking to retain moisture and flavor
Sharing this recipe reminds me of a family gathering where these tenders disappeared faster than I could serve them; my cousin even asked for seconds before finishing her first!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
What can I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any mealtime experience. Tender chicken strips are coated in a caramelized brown sugar mixture and topped with crispy bacon, creating an irresistible dish that’s perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or simply indulging yourself. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, these flavorful tenders will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut chicken breasts into one-inch strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Let cool and crumble into pieces.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Dip each chicken strip in honey, then coat with the brown sugar mixture.
- Press crumbled bacon onto each strip and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
