The Sticky Sweet Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders bring a sweet and savory twist to your dinner table that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Juicy chicken strips get coated in a magical blend of smoky and sugary goodness.

Panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that complements the caramelized exterior.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors that surprise and delight.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary in your kitchen.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your regular meal rotation and watch faces light up with excitement.

Why Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Are A Hit Again

• Conquer Quick Cooking: Breeze through this recipe with simple steps and minimal kitchen tools, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Marry savory bacon with sweet brown sugar and tangy dijon mustard, creating an irresistible taste profile that surprises and delights every palate.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust seasoning levels in the flour mixture to match personal preferences, making this dish adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Transform ordinary chicken tenders into a show-stopping appetizer or main course that will impress family and friends at gatherings, game days, or casual dinners.

What You’ll Need For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that serves as the main ingredient of the recipe.

• Flour: Provides a crispy exterior and helps the bacon adhere to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: Seasoning blend that adds depth and flavor to the chicken.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to help the flour coating stick to the chicken.

• Bacon Slices: Adds a smoky, crispy layer that wraps around the chicken.
• Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes during cooking.
• Olive Oil: Helps promote browning and adds a rich, golden texture to the chicken tenders.

Steps To Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Create the Egg Wash

Grab a shallow dish and whisk the egg until it’s smooth and ready to help the coating stick like a champ.

Step 3: Mix the Flavor-Packed Dry Coating

• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Stir these together to create a mouthwatering seasoned mixture that’ll make your chicken tenders sing with flavor.

Step 4: Dress the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, making sure it’s completely coated. Then roll it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every inch is covered in deliciousness.

Step 5: Wrap with Bacon Goodness

Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender. Spiral it artfully to create a crispy, protein-packed exterior that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and dijon mustard. Whisk until you’ve got a glossy, irresistible glaze that’ll add a sweet and tangy kick.

Step 7: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Give them some breathing room to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 8: Brush with Flavorful Glaze

Generously brush the brown sugar-dijon glaze over each tender. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered for a flavor explosion.

Step 9: Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil

Lightly drizzle olive oil over the tenders. This will help them brown beautifully and create an incredible texture.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for crispy bacon and chicken that’s cooked through to a safe 165°F internal temperature.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for 5 minutes. This magical pause allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and packed with flavor.

Good Tips For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Use parchment paper to create a non-stick surface and make cleanup a breeze after cooking.
• Coat Evenly for Crunch: Thoroughly dredge chicken tenders in egg wash and seasoned flour to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
• Bacon Wrapping Pro Tip: Spiral bacon slices around chicken tenders to lock in moisture and add extra flavor complexity.
• Glaze for Maximum Flavor: Whisk brown sugar and dijon mustard into a glossy glaze, brushing generously to create a sweet and tangy finish.
• Temperature Check Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results every time.

Flavor Swaps For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, use sugar-free brown sugar substitute, and skip breading for a low-carb option.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add chili powder and cayenne to the flour mixture, swap dijon mustard for chipotle sauce, and include a dash of smoked paprika in the glaze.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, to achieve crispy bacon and juicy chicken with less oil and faster cooking time.
• Herb-Infused Option: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour coating, use honey instead of brown sugar for the glaze, and sprinkle fresh parsley after cooking for extra freshness.

Side Dish Ideas For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Spark Sweet-Spicy Beverage Pairing: Grab a cold hard cider with hints of apple to complement the brown sugar's sweetness and balance the bacon's smoky richness.
• Elevate Side Dish Choice: Serve crisp roasted brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a tangy contrast against the tender's rich flavor profile.
• Create Zesty Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick honey-sriracha mayo by mixing mayonnaise, honey, and sriracha sauce for a creamy, spicy accompaniment that enhances the bacon-wrapped chicken's complex taste.
• Match Refreshing Wine Option: Select a chilled rosé wine with light acidity to cut through the bacon's fattiness and provide a bright, fruity counterpoint to the savory tenders.

Storing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Properly

• Store leftover bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Wrap individual tenders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the bacon.

FAQs For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Can I use different types of bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various bacon types like thick-cut, maple, or pepper-crusted bacon. Just ensure it’s thin enough to wrap around the chicken tenders easily.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The bacon should also appear crispy and golden brown.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for a safe alternative.

Brown Sugar Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling bacon brown sugar chicken tenders deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy, caramelized edges and juicy meat make this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser you won’t be able to stop eating.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Protein:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
• 6 slices bacon

Seasoning and Sweet Components:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Coating and Preparation:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk the egg thoroughly, creating a smooth binding agent for the coating.
3. Mix flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in another bowl, creating a seasoned dry mixture for the chicken tenders.
4. Dredge each chicken tender through the egg wash, then coat completely in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coverage.
5. Wrap each flour-coated chicken tender with a slice of bacon, spiraling it around to create a delicious protein-packed exterior.
6. Combine brown sugar and dijon mustard in a small bowl, whisking until a glossy, uniform glaze forms.
7. Arrange bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking.
8. Brush the brown sugar-dijon glaze generously over each tender, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor development.
9. Drizzle olive oil over the tenders to help promote crispy browning and enhance overall texture.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon turns crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken tenders.

Notes

• Ensure bacon is thinly sliced to guarantee crispy, even cooking around the chicken tenders.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature precisely, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the recipe’s delicious profile.
• Consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to the flour mixture for an extra layer of depth and complexity in flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg