Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders – Sweet & Savory Delight

Part 1: Overview of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Why Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Are a Hit

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer the perfect blend of sweet and salty, making them a crowd-pleaser for people of all ages. What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity: just a few basic ingredients, minimal prep time, and a flavor profile that’s off the charts. And let’s face it, anything wrapped in bacon is an instant favorite, right?

Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can whip it up for dinner, bring it to a potluck, or even serve it as a game-day snack. These tenders are ideal for busy home cooks because they don’t require advanced cooking skills, yet the result feels gourmet. Want a healthier option? You can easily switch up the recipe with turkey bacon and a sugar substitute for a lighter take​(yeyfood.com). The recipe is endlessly customizable, but it never fails to impress!

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before diving into the recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of chicken tenders (you can also cut chicken breasts into strips)
• 8 slices of bacon (go for a high-quality, thick-cut option)
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want a spicy kick)

By keeping the ingredient list short and sweet, you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your food and less time at the grocery store.

Part 2: Ingredients for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

When making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, simplicity is key. The ingredient list is short, but every element plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Tenders
  You’ll need around 1 pound of chicken tenders. These are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly. If tenders aren’t available, you can slice chicken breasts into strips. The tender chicken meat pairs beautifully with the crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar glaze.
• Bacon
  About 8 slices of bacon will do the trick. Opt for a thick-cut variety, as it will hold up better during baking. Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that contrasts deliciously with the brown sugar. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider swapping for turkey bacon​(Six Sisters’ Stuff).
• Brown Sugar
  The star of the sweet glaze, brown sugar, caramelizes beautifully as it bakes, coating the chicken in a rich, sticky layer. About 1/2 cup of brown sugar is all you need for this recipe.

Seasonings:

• Paprika (1 teaspoon)
  Paprika adds a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, enhancing the savory notes of the bacon.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  Garlic powder rounds out the flavor, bringing in a subtle, aromatic warmth.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
  A little black pepper gives the dish a gentle bite. Want something spicier? ncorporate a small amount of cayenne pepper to add some spice.

With just these basic ingredients, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your table.

Part 3: Preparing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Preparing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is simple, but the key to achieving that perfect sweet-savory balance is in the details. Let’s walk through each step to ensure your tenders come out crispy, caramelized, and full of flavor.

Step 1: Prepping Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) before you begin. While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients to make the process smooth and efficient. If you’re using whole chicken breasts, slice them into strips about 1 inch wide to mimic chicken tenders. Next, lay out the bacon strips and trim them if they’re too long to wrap neatly around the chicken. You’ll want each strip of bacon to just cover the chicken without excessive overlap, as too much bacon could prevent it from crisping up.

Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix the dry seasonings: 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken and complement the sweet brown sugar glaze. Coat the chicken tenders with this mixture, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned on all sides.

Want to add more kick? Add a dash of cayenne pepper to introduce some heat. However, if you’re serving these tenders to kids or prefer a milder flavor, sticking to the original seasoning mix works great.

Step 3: Wrapping the Chicken in Bacon

Now for the fun part—wrapping the chicken tenders in bacon. Take a slice of bacon and start at one end of the chicken tender, tightly wrapping it around the chicken. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly as you wrap it so that it stays secure during cooking. Don’t worry if the ends of the bacon don’t stick perfectly; they will crisp up and adhere as the tenders bake.

If your bacon strips are on the shorter side, use toothpicks to secure the ends and prevent them from unraveling. Don’t forget to take out the toothpicks before serving!

Step 4: Coating the Bacon in Brown Sugar

In a shallow dish, spread out about 1/2 cup of brown sugar. This will serve as your glaze. Once all your tenders are wrapped in bacon, roll each one in the brown sugar, making sure to coat them evenly. The brown sugar will caramelize during baking, creating that sticky, sweet crust that pairs so well with the savory bacon.

If you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative, consider swapping regular brown sugar for a low-glycemic sweetener like coconut sugar or a brown sugar substitute. These alternatives won’t caramelize quite as much, but they’ll still offer plenty of sweetnesstep 5: Baking the Chicken Tenders

Once your chicken tenders are coated in brown sugar, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to space them out so that air circulates around each piece, ensuring the bacon crisps up properly. If the tenders are too close together, the bacon may stay soggy in spots due to the moisture released from the chicken.

Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning them over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on them in the last 10 minutes, as the brown sugar can burn quickly.

To check for doneness, make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C). If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can pop the tenders under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

Once the tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest period allows the brown sugar glaze to set and makes the chicken easier to handle. You can also garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of honey mustard for added flavor.

And there you have it—perfectly cooked Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with sweet and savory goodness!

Now that you’ve got the basics down, you can try variations like using turkey bacon, adding a touch of honey to the glaze, or even serving the tenders with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Part 4: Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When it comes to Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, serving them up in style can elevate your dining experience. These tenders are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and dips to create a memorable meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions and pairings to consider.

Classic Dipping Sauces

One of the simplest ways to enhance the flavor of your chicken tenders is to serve them with delicious dipping sauces. Here are a few favorites:

• Honey Mustard: This sweet and tangy sauce complements the sweetness of the brown sugar beautifully. The sharpness of the mustard cuts through the richness of the bacon, creating a balanced flavor profile​(yeyfood.com).
• BBQ Sauce: A smoky barbecue sauce pairs well with the crispy bacon, adding another layer of flavor. Whether you prefer a sweet Kansas City style or a vinegar-based sauce from the Carolinas, either choice will work wonderfully​(Six Sisters’ Stuff).
• Ranch Dressing: This creamy dressing is a classic choice for chicken tenders. Its herby notes bring a fresh contrast to the sweet and salty profile of the tenders.

Side Dish Pairings

To make your meal more filling, consider these side dishes that complement the chicken tenders:

• Coleslaw: A light, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness to the plate. The creaminess of the dressing balances the sweetness of the chicken, making for a delightful combination​(Six Sisters’ Stuff).
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a healthier twist, serve the tenders with baked sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness pairs well with the bacon and brown sugar, creating a cohesive flavor experienceted Vegetables: A medley of roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers not only adds color but also brings a nutritious element to your meal. The slight char from roasting enhances their natural sweetness, echoing the flavors of the tender

Part 5: Variations on the Recipe

While Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some creative variations you can try:

1. Spicy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding some spice to the mix. Incorporate cayenne pepper, paprika, or your favorite hot sauce into the brown sugar coating. This will give your chicken tenders a sweet-and-spicy kick that balances the savory flavors of the bacon.

2. Herb-Infused Tenders

Adding fresh or dried herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your chicken tenders. Try incorporating rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the brown sugar mixture. This infusion of herbs not only enhances the taste but also adds a fresh aroma that makes the dish even more enticing.

3. BBQ Bacon Chicken Tenders

If you’re a fan of barbecue sauce, you can modify the recipe by brushing the tenders with your favorite BBQ sauce before wrapping them in bacon. The sauce will caramelize as the chicken bakes, adding a smoky sweetness that complements the brown sugar beautifully.

4. Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, swap out traditional bread crumbs for gluten-free alternatives. You can use crushed gluten-free crackers, almond flour, or coconut flour for breading. This way, everyone can enjoy the crispy goodness without compromising on dietary restrictions.

5. Baked vs. Fried

While baking is a healthier option, frying your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can create an extra-crispy texture. For frying, use a deep pan with oil heated to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders until they are golden brown and cooked through for a deliciously indulgent treat.

6. Serving Variations

You can also get creative with how you serve these tenders. Try pairing them with different dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo. This allows you to mix and match flavors and keep the dish exciting every time you serve it.

These variations allow you to enjoy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders in a whole new light, catering to different preferences and dietary needs while keeping the core flavors intact. Whether you prefer a spicy twist, a herby infusion, or a crunchy texture, there’s a variation for everyone!