Finger-Licking Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with brown sugar create an irresistible flavor combination that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Sweet meets savory in this mouthwatering dish packed with simple ingredients.

Juicy chicken strips get a delightful upgrade when wrapped in smoky, caramelized bacon.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking a quick and delicious meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of salty and sweet that keeps you coming back for more.

Crunch meets tenderness in this crowd-pleasing recipe you can whip up in minutes.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so easy can taste so incredible.

FAQs For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Why use brown sugar in this recipe?

Brown sugar caramelizes when baked, creating a sweet, crispy exterior that enhances the bacon’s flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the chicken tenders.

• Can I use different types of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute dijon mustard with whole grain or spicy brown mustard to adjust the flavor profile according to your preference.

• How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• What if I don't have parchment paper?

You can use a lightly greased aluminum foil or silicone baking mat as an alternative to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Why Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Are So Loved

• Unlock Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet, savory, and spicy notes that dance together in every single bite, creating a taste adventure your taste buds will celebrate.
• Master Quick Cooking: Requires minimal kitchen skills and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can nail perfectly without stress or complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a crowd-favorite dish that appeals to kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Allows simple ingredient swaps or additions to match personal preferences, such as using different types of bacon or adjusting spice levels for individual tastes.

Ingredients List For Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender strips of chicken perfect for creating a crispy, flavorful main dish.
• Bacon Slices: Adds a smoky, salty flavor and creates a crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Egg: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and provides richness.
• Honey, Dijon Mustard: Creates a sweet and tangy base that adds depth to the chicken's flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a caramelized sweetness and helps create a crispy exterior.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Black Pepper, Salt: Builds a flavorful and crispy coating that seasons the chicken thoroughly.
• Olive Oil: Helps promote even browning and adds a touch of moisture to the chicken tenders.

How To Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and crispy cooking results.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash Mixture

• Egg
• Honey
• Dijon mustard

This creates a flavorful binding mixture for coating the chicken.

Step 3: Mix Dry Coating

• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt

Blend these ingredients to form a seasoned coating mixture.

Step 4: Coat Chicken

Thoroughly dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Dip the flour-coated chicken tenders into the honey-mustard egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.

Step 6: Add Brown Sugar Layer

Sprinkle brown sugar generously over each coated tender, gently pressing to help the sugar adhere to the surface.

Step 7: Wrap With Bacon

Carefully wrap each sugar-coated chicken tender with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping to secure the bacon in place.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the bacon-wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.

Step 9: Add Final Touch

Drizzle olive oil lightly over the tenders to promote even browning and enhance crispiness.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

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.

Step 11: Rest and Set

Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and brown sugar to set.

Step 12: Serve and Garnish

Plate the hot tenders, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor and elegant presentation.

Tips That Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Better

• Boost Bacon Crispiness: Partially cook bacon before wrapping for extra crunch and faster rendering.
• Prevent Sugar Burning: Tent with foil if brown sugar starts to darken too quickly during baking.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble chicken tenders in advance and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal planning.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for similar coating texture.

Easy Ways To Change Up Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Low-Carb Bacon Chicken: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly version.
• Spicy Southern Chicken: Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a bold, fiery flavor profile that brings extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or coconut flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining crispy coating.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Replace honey with maple syrup and add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to create a Mediterranean-inspired seasoning blend for the chicken tenders.

What Pairs With Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

• Pair with Sweet Southern Comfort
• Serve alongside classic sweet tea or a crisp hard apple cider to complement the bacon's smoky flavor and the brown sugar's caramelized sweetness.
• Refresh with Zesty Sidekick
• Create a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs that cuts through the richness of the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, balancing the dish's intense flavors.
• Hearty Potato Companion
• Roast skin-on red potatoes with rosemary and garlic to provide a rustic, earthy side that enhances the tenders' savory-sweet profile and adds textural contrast.

Keeping Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in sealed containers to maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate chicken tenders into individual portions. Wrap each tender in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place tenders on a microwave-safe plate.

Candy-Crusted 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 offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy, caramelized edges and juicy meat create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
• 8 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Seasoning and Spices:

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Coating and Preparation:

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crisp cooking.
2. Whisk together the egg, honey, and dijon mustard in a shallow bowl to create a flavorful binding mixture for the chicken tenders.
3. Combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a separate bowl to form a seasoned coating mixture.
4. Dredge each chicken tender thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Dip the flour-coated chicken tenders into the honey-mustard egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Sprinkle brown sugar generously over each coated tender, pressing gently to help the sugar adhere to the surface.
7. Wrap each sugar-coated chicken tender with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping to secure the bacon in place.
8. Arrange the bacon-wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
9. Drizzle olive oil lightly over the tenders to promote even browning and additional crispiness.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the brown sugar to set.
12. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Swap honey for maple syrup to create a different sweet profile that complements the bacon’s smoky flavor.
• Ensure chicken tenders are patted completely dry before coating to help the flour mixture adhere more effectively and prevent sogginess.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat with their sweet and savory dish.
• Use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative for health-conscious individuals without compromising the overall delicious flavor combination.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 99 mg