Introduction
Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor combo—juicy chicken tenders, crispy bacon crumbles, and a caramelized brown sugar coating that brings sweet and savory together in every bite! These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or party appetizers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Perfect Sweet & Savory Balance – The rich brown sugar glaze and salty bacon complement each other beautifully.
✔ Crispy & Juicy – Tender chicken wrapped in crispy, caramelized bacon goodness.
✔ Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and ready in 30 minutes.
✔ Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – A recipe everyone will love!
Let’s make these irresistible, caramelized bacon-wrapped chicken tenders! 🍗✨
-Ingredients for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
✔ 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
✔ 8 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
✔ ½ cup brown sugar
✔ 1 teaspoon paprika
✔ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
✔ ½ teaspoon onion powder
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
✔ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
✔ Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
-👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Ingredients
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
-2️⃣ Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together:
✅ Brown sugar
✅ Paprika
✅ Garlic powder
✅ Onion powder
✅ Salt & black pepper
Toss the chicken tenders in the seasoning mix to coat evenly.
-3️⃣ Coat with Bacon Crumbles
Press cooked, crumbled bacon onto each chicken tender.
Make sure the bacon sticks well to the seasoning-coated chicken.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Place chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and caramelized.
Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end!
-5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Let the chicken tenders cool slightly before serving.
Pair with your favorite dipping sauces (honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch).
Serve hot and enjoy the sweet-savory goodness! 🍗✨
-Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
✔ Use Thin-Cut Bacon – Cooks evenly and gets crispy faster.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet – Helps chicken get that golden, caramelized crust.
✔ For Extra Glaze – Brush a little honey or maple syrup on top before baking.
✔ Air Fryer Option – Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
-Variations & Customizations
🔥 Spicy Kick – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
🍯 Maple Bacon Twist – Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer caramelization.
🥓 Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders – Instead of crumbling, wrap whole bacon slices around the tenders before baking.
🧀 Cheesy Version – Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking.
-What to Serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
🍟 Crispy Fries – The perfect sidekick for chicken tenders.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A light salad balances the sweetness.
🥦 Roasted Veggies – Try garlic butter broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the crispy tenders.
– Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Tenders?
Yes! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips before seasoning.
2. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Season the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an Air Fryer – At 375°F for 5 minutes for crispy results.
4. Can I Make This Recipe in the Air Fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
– Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Chicken Tenders!
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are crispy, caramelized, and packed with flavor—a must-try recipe for dinner, game day, or snack time! Whether baked or air-fried, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
