Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: A Sweet and Savory Delight for Dinner

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This recipe combines the irresistible crunch of bacon with the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Originating from the heart of American comfort food, these chicken tenders have become a favorite in many households, often served at family gatherings and casual get-togethers.

What I love most about Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is their versatility; they can be enjoyed as a main course, a party appetizer, or even a fun snack. The tender chicken, wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet glaze, offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a host wanting to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Join me as we dive into the delicious world of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound bacon, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken Tenders

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken tenders will cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. 2. **Prepare the Chicken**: Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the seasoning stick better to the chicken. 3. **Make the Seasoning Mix**: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix these ingredients well until they are evenly blended. The brown sugar will give the chicken a sweet caramelized crust, while the spices add depth of flavor. 4. **Coat the Chicken**: Take each chicken tender and coat it generously with the seasoning mix. Make sure to press the seasoning into the chicken so it adheres well. I like to use my hands for this step, as it allows me to ensure every piece is well-coated.

Wrapping the Chicken in Bacon

5. **Prepare the Bacon**: Take your halved bacon strips and wrap each seasoned chicken tender with a piece of bacon. Start at one end of the chicken tender and spiral the bacon around it, overlapping slightly as you go. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during cooking. 6. **Secure the Bacon**: If you find that the bacon isn’t staying in place, you can use toothpicks to secure the ends. Just be sure to remove them before serving!

Cooking the Chicken Tenders

7. **Prepare the Baking Sheet**: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows the fat from the bacon to drip off while the chicken cooks, ensuring a crispy finish. 8. **Arrange the Chicken Tenders**: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the wire rack, making sure they are spaced out evenly. This helps them cook uniformly and allows the heat to circulate around each piece. 9. **Drizzle with Olive Oil**: Lightly drizzle the olive oil over the chicken tenders. This step is optional, but it helps the bacon crisp up nicely in the oven. 10. **Bake the Chicken Tenders**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the bacon should be crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.

Finishing Touches

11. **Broil for Extra Crispiness**: If you want an extra crispy finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch them closely, as they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly. 12. **Remove from Oven**: Once the chicken tenders are cooked through and the bacon is crispy, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken tenders rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy.

Assembling and Serving

13. **Garnish**: Before serving, sprinkle the chicken tenders with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It also adds a nice herbal note that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the savory bacon. 14. **Serve**: Arrange the bacon brown sugar chicken tenders on a serving platter. They can be served as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as part of a game day spread. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard for an extra flavor boost. 15. **Enjoy**: Dig in and enjoy the sweet and savory explosion of flavors! These chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with family and friends. The combination of crispy bacon and tender chicken, all coated in a sweet brown sugar glaze, is simply irresistible.

Storage and Reheating

16. **Storing

Conclusion:

In summary, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, a party appetizer, or a fun family meal, these tenders are sure to impress. For a delightful twist, consider pairing them with a side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance the sweetness. You can also experiment with different spices or add a touch of heat with some cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a little kick. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your taste, making it a perfect fit for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together! Trust me, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders will quickly become a favorite in your household, just as they have in mine. Happy cooking!

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