The delightful aroma of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds with promises of sweetness and savory goodness. Golden-brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, these chicken tenders are not just food; they’re an experience that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). easy white chicken chili cozy chicken noodle soup.
Imagine a sunny afternoon, friends gathered around the grill, laughter filling the air as everyone eagerly anticipates that first bite. The combination of crispy bacon and sugary glaze creates a flavor explosion that makes any gathering feel like a special occasion. These tenders are perfect for game day, family dinners, or even a cozy night in when you want to impress someone special.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to make, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. The sweet and salty flavor profile will leave everyone craving more. Their golden appearance makes them visually appealing and perfect for any dinner table. They are versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or main dish at any event. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made these chicken tenders for my family. Their eyes widened in disbelief as they devoured each bite, asking for the recipe before they’d even finished their plates. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy taco sticks recipe recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 chicken breasts based on how hungry your crowd is.
Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for an extra crunch and rich flavor.
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for a balanced sweetness that complements the bacon beautifully.
Garlic Powder: This adds a savory kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of brown sugar.
Paprika: A sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate the flavors with its subtle smokiness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. As you prepare this dish, let the anticipation build—your kitchen will soon smell amazing.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast into strips about one inch wide. This size ensures they cook evenly while maximizing tenderness. Place them in a large bowl and season generously with salt and pepper.
Crisp Up the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy but not burnt. Remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before chopping it into small pieces. The savory aroma will have you drooling already!
Create the Sweet Coating: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed into a lovely blend that smells irresistible.
Coat the Chicken Strips: Take each chicken strip and dredge it in the brown sugar mixture until fully coated. Then roll them in crispy bacon bits because why not? More bacon equals more happiness.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange your coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach golden perfection—cooked through but still juicy inside.
Savor Every Bite!: Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. The combination of crispy bacon and sweet glaze is pure magic! Pair these with your favorite dipping sauce or simply enjoy them as they are.
Now sit back and watch as these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders become an instant hit at any gathering! parmesan crusted chicken.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for satisfying cravings. The aroma will make your kitchen smell divine, and the crispy texture is simply irresistible. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it never fails to impress. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in brown sugar and spices for at least 30 minutes. Then, cook the bacon until crispy before wrapping it around the chicken tenders. Bake at 400°F until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon or add a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also try different spices like smoked paprika to elevate that flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, maintaining that crispy texture.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To create perfectly tender chicken tenders, marinate them longer than usual; overnight is ideal! Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. [/info_box]
Memories of making these tenders always bring smiles; my friends devour them faster than I can serve them. The laughter and joy around the table are unforgettable.
FAQ
What can I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
breakfast sliders with chicken.
Try pairing them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I freeze Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
For more inspiration, check out this roasted red pepper chicken recipe.
Yes, freeze them after cooking; just reheat straight from frozen when ready to enjoy.
How do I ensure my chicken is juicy?
Marinating the chicken tends to keep it juicy and flavorful while cooking.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are an irresistible combination of sweet and savory, making them the perfect dish for any occasion. These chicken tenders are coated in a crispy bacon layer and a delightful brown sugar glaze, creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you can easily impress your friends and family with this quick yet delectable recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge each chicken strip in the brown sugar mixture and roll in bacon bits.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken tender (about 85g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
