Share this post:

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

If you haven’t tried Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders yet, you’re in for a treat. This dish effortlessly combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare, yet the taste feels indulgent. Imagine tender chicken wrapped in crisp bacon, all coated with a caramelized glaze that adds a delightful crunch. But what really sets this dish apart is its versatility. You might be wondering how to elevate it even further—let’s explore some creative ideas that can transform your next meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you’ll quickly see why they’re a favorite. The recipe’s simplicity makes it easy for anyone to prepare. You only need boneless chicken breasts, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

The preparation involves cutting chicken into strips, tossing them with seasonings, and wrapping them in bacon, which takes minimal time and effort. With a total cooking time of about 30 minutes, you can serve these tenders as appetizers, snacks, or a main dish. Their sweet and savory flavor, thanks to caramelized brown sugar and crispy bacon, makes them irresistible. Plus, you can enjoy them with various dipping sauces, enhancing the overall experience. The dish is perfect for game day snacking and gatherings, making it a hit with guests.

History

While the exact origins of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders remain elusive, their roots are deeply embedded in American Southern cuisine, where the blend of sweet and savory flavors has long been celebrated.

This dish likely evolved as home cooks experimented with various ingredients in their kitchens. By the late 2000s, you’d start seeing these tasty tenders pop up in online recipe collections, reflecting their rising popularity. Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders feature a combination of flavors that has become increasingly popular at gatherings.

With time, the dish saw innovative cooking methods and flavor enhancements, integrating new ingredients like garlic powder or chili powder.

Today, they’ve become a staple at gatherings, showcasing adaptability that allows for healthier alternatives and global twists.

This evolution highlights their cultural significance in modern cooking.

Recipe

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of sweet and savory that makes for an irresistible treat. The succulent chicken strips are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet brown sugar mixture, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will please any palate. It’s important to note that chicken breasts can substitute for chicken tenders if you prefer a heartier option.

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer during game day, a quick weeknight dinner, or a party snack, these tenders are sure to be a hit. Preparing these delicious tenders is simple and requires only a few ingredients. The sweet, caramelized exterior from the brown sugar pairs wonderfully with the smoky flavor of the bacon, elevating this dish to a new level of deliciousness.

With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
– Brown sugar
– Bacon strips
– Kosher salt
– Ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If you’re using whole chicken breasts, cut them into long, thin strips. If you have pre-cut chicken tenders, you can use them as is.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
4. Toss the chicken strips in the brown sugar mixture until they’re well-coated.
5. Take a bacon strip and wrap it around each chicken strip, making sure to tuck the ends of the bacon underneath to secure it.
6. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in a baking dish or on a cookie sheet.
7. Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture over the top of the chicken tenders.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. To check for doneness, cut into one of the tenders; the juices should run clear.
9. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

For extra tips, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.

If you prefer a heartier meal, serve these tenders over a fresh salad or with a side of rice. You can also prepare them ahead of time and freeze them before cooking for a quick and easy meal option later.

Enjoy your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or maple syrup for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

As you savor the deliciousness of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you’ll find that this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings people together.

It’s perfect for game day parties or casual gatherings, serving as both an appetizer and a main course. Pair these tenders with dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue for extra flavor. The chicken tends to achieve a golden brown color while baking, enhancing its visual appeal.

You can also serve them alongside sweet potato fries or over a fresh salad for a hearty meal. Remember, using thick-cut bacon and preheating your oven guarantees the best results.

Feel free to experiment with seasonings and variations, such as turkey bacon or spicy spices, to customize your dish. Enjoy this versatile recipe that everyone will love!

FAQ

Have questions about making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders? You can absolutely use different types of chicken, but remember that chicken breasts need a longer cooking time.

To prevent burning, keep a close eye on the chicken in the final few minutes of baking. If you want to prep ahead, feel free to freeze the chicken before cooking.

For even cooking, slice the chicken evenly and tuck the bacon ends under the chicken. Pair your tenders with delicious dips like ranch or honey mustard.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too. Ultimately, marinating the chicken in the brown sugar mixture enhances the flavor, making your dish even tastier! Additionally, using boneless, skinless chicken breasts will ensure that the cooking process is straightforward and the chicken remains tender.