Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavor of bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar. These chicken tenders are perfect for an appetizer, party snack, or a main dish. They are crispy, sweet, and full of flavor, making them a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 strips of bacon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts into tenders or strips, about 1 inch wide.
- Season Chicken:
- Season the chicken tenders with Kosher salt and ground black pepper.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
- Wrap Chicken:
- Wrap each chicken tender with a strip of bacon, making sure the bacon ends overlap slightly to secure them.
Step 4: Coat with Brown Sugar
- Coat Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, place the brown sugar. Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar, pressing gently to adhere the sugar to the bacon.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Tenders
- Arrange on Rack:
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the wire rack on the prepared baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate and helps the bacon to crisp up.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil:
- If the bacon is not crispy enough, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and serve warm.
Optional Garnishes
- Garnish:
- You can garnish the chicken tenders with chopped fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Bacon Overlap:
- Make sure to overlap the ends of the bacon strips slightly when wrapping the chicken to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
- Brown Sugar Mixture:
- Press the brown sugar firmly onto the bacon-wrapped chicken to ensure a good coating.
- Wire Rack:
- Using a wire rack allows the heat to circulate around the chicken tenders, helping the bacon to crisp evenly.
Variations
Spicy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Ingredients:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a spicy kick.
- Instructions:
- Follow the same steps, mixing the cayenne pepper with the brown sugar before coating the chicken.
Maple Bacon Chicken Tenders
- Ingredients:
- Substitute brown sugar with 1/2 cup of maple syrup.
- Instructions:
- Follow the same steps, brushing the bacon-wrapped chicken with maple syrup before baking.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Ingredients:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the brown sugar mixture.
- Instructions:
- Follow the same steps, mixing the garlic powder and Parmesan cheese with the brown sugar before coating the chicken.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the baking instructions.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? A: Yes, you can use turkey bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may cook faster than regular bacon, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.
Q: Can I freeze these chicken tenders? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Allow them to cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a simple yet incredibly tasty dish that combines the savory flavor of bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar. These tenders are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the delicious variations, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!