Sweet and Smoky Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Imagine a dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of caramelized brown sugar with the smoky, savory goodness of crispy bacon. These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a heavenly combination of flavors, making them a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion. The tender chicken, wrapped in smoky bacon and kissed with brown sugar and spices, bakes to perfection, creating a dish that’s as irresistible as it is easy to make. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
🛒 Ingredient Overview
- Chicken Tenders (1 lb, about 8-10 pieces): The star of the show, these tender and juicy chicken strips are the perfect base for absorbing the sweet and smoky flavors of this recipe.
- Bacon (8 slices, cooked and crumbled): Bacon is the ultimate partner for brown sugar, bringing a smoky and crispy texture that elevates each bite.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup): This is where the magic happens. The brown sugar caramelizes during baking, creating a sweet, slightly sticky coating that contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild, smoky heat that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the bacon’s savory notes.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): A touch of garlic powder enhances the overall savory flavor, adding depth to the dish.
- Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): This adds a subtle sweetness and complexity, blending well with the other spices.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar and bringing out the full flavor of the chicken and bacon.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just the right amount of spice to add a hint of warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: For greasing the baking sheet, ensuring the tenders don’t stick and bake evenly.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil. This step ensures your tenders bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well to create a flavorful coating that will adhere to the chicken tenders.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the brown sugar mixture stick better. Coat each chicken tender thoroughly with the brown sugar mixture, pressing the spices onto all sides to ensure an even layer.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
Take a slice of cooked bacon and wrap it around each seasoned chicken tender. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary, ensuring the bacon stays in place during baking. Place the wrapped tenders seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve
Once done, remove the toothpicks before serving. Serve the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders hot, either as a main dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory in every bite.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but you’ll need to cut them into strips to ensure they cook evenly.
Q2: Is it necessary to pre-cook the bacon?
Pre-cooking the bacon ensures it gets crispy in the oven without overcooking the chicken. If you use raw bacon, you might end up with undercooked bacon or overcooked chicken.
Q3: Can I make this dish in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, checking to ensure the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Q4: What if I don’t have paprika?
You can substitute with smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor, or omit it if needed, though it adds a nice depth to the dish.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q6: Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?
Yes, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a little heat.
Q8: Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used, but it may not get as crispy as regular bacon.
Q9: What can I serve with these tenders?
These tenders pair well with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or even sweet potato fries.
Q10: How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping?
Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the chicken, and place the tenders seam side down on the baking sheet.
Q11: Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?
Maple syrup can be used, but it will create a different texture. Brush it on the bacon for a sweet glaze.
Q12: What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon is ideal because it holds up well during baking and provides a satisfying bite.
Q13: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tenders and wrap them with bacon ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and bake when ready.
Q14: Can I use a sugar substitute for a lower sugar option?
Yes, a brown sugar substitute can be used, though it may affect the caramelization.
Q15: How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and wrapping it tightly with bacon helps retain moisture.
Q16: Can I cook these on the grill?
Yes, cook them over medium heat on the grill, turning occasionally until the chicken is done and the bacon is crispy.
Q17: What if I don’t have garlic powder?
You can use fresh minced garlic or omit it, although garlic powder blends more evenly.
Q18: How do I keep the bacon from burning?
Cook at the recommended temperature and keep an eye on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time.
Q19: What if the bacon doesn’t crisp up?
Broil the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bacon without overcooking the chicken.
Q20: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
💡 20 Helpful Tips
Tip 1: Use thick-cut bacon for the best results.
Tip 2: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere.
Tip 3: Pre-cook the bacon until it’s just starting to crisp before wrapping the chicken.
Tip 4: If you like a sweeter dish, sprinkle a bit more brown sugar on top before baking.
Tip 5: For even cooking, make sure all the chicken tenders are similar in size.
Tip 6: Add a little cayenne pepper if you want a spicy kick.
Tip 7: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Tip 8: Cook the bacon in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Tip 9: Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tip 10: Try using a flavored bacon, like maple or peppered, for an added twist.
Tip 11: If you’re short on time, use precooked bacon and reduce the cooking time.
Tip 12: Serve with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch for extra flavor.
Tip 13: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Tip 14: Brush the bacon with a little maple syrup before baking for a sweet glaze.
Tip 15: Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Tip 16: Avoid overbaking to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Tip 17: Store leftovers in a single layer to keep the bacon from getting soggy.
Tip 18: Reheat in the oven rather than the microwave for crispier results.
Tip 19: Marinate the chicken in the spice mix for an hour before baking for more flavor.
Tip 20: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
🧊 10 Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Thaw frozen tenders in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
- Avoid storing the tenders stacked on top of each other to keep the bacon crispy.
- Wrap individual tenders in foil before freezing for easy reheating.
- Use leftovers in salads or wraps for a quick lunch option.
- If reheating in the microwave, use a microwave-safe cover to prevent splattering.
- Reheat only what you plan to eat to avoid reheating multiple times.
- Store with a small container of dipping sauce for convenience.
🔍 20 Recipe Secrets
- Using brown sugar ensures a perfect caramelized crust on the chicken.
- Pre-cooking the bacon prevents it from becoming too greasy during baking.
- Wrapping the chicken tightly with bacon locks in moisture, keeping the tenders juicy.
- Paprika adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Garlic powder evenly distributes the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the flavors.
- Using thick-cut bacon prevents it from shrinking too much during cooking.
- Cooking at 375°F ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
- Patting the chicken dry helps the brown sugar mixture stick better.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute.
- Cooking the chicken on a wire rack helps the bacon crisp evenly all around.
- Adding a little cayenne to the brown sugar mix gives the dish a slight kick.
- For an extra layer of flavor, brush the bacon with maple syrup before baking.
- Using toothpicks to secure the bacon prevents it from unwrapping during cooking.
- Broiling the tenders for the last few minutes crisps up the bacon perfectly.
- Marinating the chicken in the spice mix for an hour boosts the flavor.
- The dish can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked fresh before serving.
- To make cleanup easy, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- For a savory twist, use seasoned bacon, such as peppered or smoked.
- Serve with a dipping sauce to complement the sweet and smoky flavors.
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of sweet and savory that will impress your family and guests alike. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, they’re sure to be a hit at any table. Enjoy the rich, caramelized flavors with every bite!
