Welcome to our delicious and savory recipes section! Today, we’re sharing a mouthwatering recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. These tenders are wrapped in bacon, coated in brown sugar, and baked to perfection. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips, about 1 inch wide. You should get approximately 8-10 tenders from the two breasts.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over each chicken strip.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
- Wrap Chicken: Wrap each seasoned chicken strip with a strip of thick-cut bacon. You can secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
Step 4: Coat with Brown Sugar
- Coat with Sugar: Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped chicken strips, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Tenders
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. If desired, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bacon even more.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Hot: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Bacon Choice: Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe as it holds up well during baking and provides a nice texture contrast.
- Crispier Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the rack. This allows the fat to drip away and the bacon to crisp up evenly.
- Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture.
Variations
Honey Mustard Bacon Chicken Tenders
Brush the chicken tenders with a mixture of honey and mustard before wrapping them with bacon for a sweet and tangy flavor.
BBQ Bacon Chicken Tenders
Brush the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking for a smoky, sweet finish.
Herb-Infused Bacon Chicken Tenders
Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the brown sugar mixture for an herbaceous twist.
Maple Bacon Chicken Tenders
Substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich and delicious maple flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Slice them into strips and follow the same instructions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Arrange the wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy aioli are all great options for dipping.
How can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Ensure that all ingredients, especially the bacon and seasonings, are labeled gluten-free. This recipe itself does not contain gluten.
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delicious and savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their sweet and salty flavor and crispy texture, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy making and sharing these tasty chicken tenders with your family and friends!