Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and satisfying dish. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making the perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and address frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the bacon crisp up and allow the fat to drip off.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken tenders.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken Tenders
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary. Ensure the bacon wraps around the chicken evenly.
Step 4: Coat with Brown Sugar
- Coat with Sugar: Place the brown sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar, pressing gently to ensure the sugar adheres well to the bacon.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Tenders
- Place on Rack: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Turn the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Allow the chicken tenders to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes
- Wire Rack: Using a wire rack helps the bacon cook evenly and become crispy. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the tenders directly on the foil-lined baking sheet, but you may need to turn them more frequently.
- Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if it doesn’t stay in place on its own.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush the chicken tenders with a mixture of honey and mustard during the last 5 minutes of baking for a tangy glaze.
- Cheesy Chicken Tenders: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken tenders during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Q2: 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 or air fryer to retain crispiness.
Q3: Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. This can help the flavors meld together even more.
Q4: What can I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
A: These chicken tenders pair well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Q5: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can cook these chicken tenders in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to be a hit at any meal. With their crispy bacon exterior and tender, flavorful chicken, these tenders are perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps and tips to create a delicious and satisfying dish that your family and friends will love. Enjoy these irresistible chicken tenders with your favorite sides for a complete and delightful meal!
