Crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe for Bliss

Crispy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders spark memories of comfort food with a sweet and savory twist.

Childhood favorites meet gourmet inspiration in this simple yet delectable dish.

Unexpected flavor combinations often create magical culinary moments that surprise and delight.

Tender chicken strips get coated in a remarkable blend of smoky and caramelized goodness.

Minimal ingredients deliver maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing meal.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this incredibly easy recipe that feels like a celebration.

Dive into a meal that promises to become your new favorite go-to dinner solution.

What You’ll Use For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender cuts that serve as the main protein base for this flavorful dish.
• Bacon: Provides a crispy, salty texture and adds depth of flavor to the chicken coating.

• Brown Sugar, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Creates a rich, aromatic blend that caramelizes and adds complexity to the chicken coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile and seasons the chicken tenders.

• Olive Oil, Honey: Adds shine, sweetness, and a glossy finish to the cooked chicken.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish that brightens the dish's appearance and adds a subtle herbal note.

Step By Step For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat Oven And Prepare Baking Surface

Get your oven warming to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for hassle-free cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Tenders

Gently dry chicken tenders using paper towels, ensuring maximum crispiness. Season with salt and black pepper across every surface.

Step 3: Chop Bacon Into Tiny Pieces

Slice bacon into small, uniform fragments that will create a delightful crunchy coating for the chicken.

Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning Blend

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Whisk these ingredients to create a mouthwatering spice mixture.

Step 4: Coat Chicken With Seasoning Mixture

Roll each chicken tender completely in the brown sugar spice blend, pressing gently to make sure every inch is covered.

Step 5: Add Crispy Bacon Topping

Sprinkle chopped bacon pieces over the coated chicken tenders, pressing lightly so bacon sticks to the sugar coating.

Step 6: Arrange Chicken On Baking Sheet

Place chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, keeping them separated to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes. Chicken is ready when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Rest And Settle Chicken

Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and coating to set perfectly.

Step 9: Add Final Flavor Touches

Drizzle with olive oil and honey, then sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Plate immediately while chicken is hot and crispy, revealing a caramelized bacon-sugar crust that’s guaranteed to impress.

Top Tips For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Prep Like a Pro: Pat chicken tenders completely dry to guarantee a perfectly crispy, clinging coating.
• Bacon Brilliance: Finely dice bacon into uniform pieces for consistent crunch throughout each tender.
• Seasoning Secret: Press spice mixture gently into chicken to maximize flavor absorption and create a rich, caramelized exterior.
• Baking Mastery: Space tenders apart on the baking sheet to ensure even, golden-brown cooking without steaming.
• Temperature Triumph: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results every time.

Easy Ways To Change Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace spice blend with gluten-free alternatives like coconut sugar and tamari-based seasonings. Use certified gluten-free bacon for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free bacon and add almond flour to create a low-carb coating that maintains crispy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate chipotle powder, cumin, and cayenne into the spice mixture. Add crushed red pepper flakes over bacon for extra heat and zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Substitute bacon with crumbled feta cheese and oregano. Sprinkle za'atar seasoning instead of traditional spice blend for a Middle Eastern culinary approach.

Best Matches For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Pair with Sweet Bourbon Cocktail: Mix bourbon, honey, and orange bitters for a complementary drink that echoes the caramelized sweetness of the chicken tenders.
• Create Creamy Coleslaw Side: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar, mayo, and a touch of sugar to balance the rich, sweet bacon coating.
• Serve with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, season with similar spices used in the chicken, and roast until crispy for a harmonious flavor profile.
• Recommend Crisp Apple Salad: Toss green apples, arugula, and toasted pecans with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.

How To Keep Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Tasty

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their delicious flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread tenders on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, restoring crispy texture.
• Briefly reheat in microwave for 30-45 seconds, but expect slightly soggy coating compared to oven reheating method.

Need-To-Know Answers For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice blend is mild with paprika, garlic, and onion powder, creating a warm flavor without intense heat.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, slice chicken breasts into tender-sized pieces and follow the same coating and cooking process.

• Do I need to flip the chicken while baking?

No, the chicken will cook evenly without flipping, thanks to the consistent oven temperature and baking technique.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring safe and juicy chicken.

Why Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Are Loved

• Savor Sweet and Savory Combo: A delightful twist on classic chicken tenders that blends rich bacon with caramelized brown sugar for an irresistible flavor explosion.
• Customize with Ease: Quickly adapt the recipe by swapping spices or adding your favorite herbs to create a personalized meal that suits your taste preferences.
• Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual get-togethers where everyone craves something deliciously indulgent and satisfying.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Minimal prep and straightforward cooking make this recipe a go-to solution for busy home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Butterscotch Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling bacon brown sugar chicken tenders bring a perfect balance of sweet and savory to your dinner table. Crispy, caramelized edges and juicy meat make this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll want to add to your weekly menu.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Bacon and Sugar Coating

• 8 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Finishing Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
2. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure crispy coating adhesion, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. Finely chop bacon into small, uniform pieces to create a consistent crispy texture throughout the coating.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a rich, aromatic seasoning blend.
5. Roll each chicken tender thoroughly in the brown sugar spice mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely.
6. Sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces over the coated chicken tenders, gently pressing to embed the bacon into the sugar coating.
7. Arrange the prepared chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and coating to set.
10. Drizzle with olive oil and honey for added shine and sweetness, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
11. Serve immediately while crispy and warm, enjoying the caramelized bacon-sugar crust and juicy chicken underneath.

Notes

• Pat chicken tenders completely dry to guarantee a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor and prevents soggy coating.
• Use thick-cut bacon for more robust crunch and deeper smoky notes that complement the sweet brown sugar glaze perfectly.
• Adjust brown sugar ratio for different dietary needs: reduce sugar for low-carb version or replace with monk fruit sweetener for keto-friendly alternative.
• Let chicken rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each tender remains incredibly moist and tender without losing precious flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg