Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors wrapped into one irresistible bite. Juicy chicken strips are coated in brown sugar and spices, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked until caramelized and golden. The result is tender chicken with a sticky, smoky glaze that makes this dish perfect for appetizers, family dinners, or game-day spreads.
The first time I made these chicken tenders, I was amazed at how the brown sugar transformed during baking. It melted into a glossy coating that balanced beautifully with the saltiness of the bacon. I once added a light sprinkle of chili powder to the sugar mixture, and it created a subtle heat that enhanced the sweetness. Whether served on their own or paired with dipping sauces, Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are always a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a delicious balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. The bacon crisps up while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
This recipe requires minimal preparation and simple ingredients. It is perfect for both weeknight meals and entertaining guests.
Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. You can adjust the sweetness, add spice, or serve them as a main course or appetizer.
PrintBacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: Sweet, Smoky, and Irresistibly Crispy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet brown sugar glaze. These bacon brown sugar chicken tenders are the perfect sweet and savory appetizer or easy dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 12 slices bacon (thin cut)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top if available.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Wrap each chicken tender tightly with one slice of bacon.
- Roll each wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently to coat.
- Place on prepared rack or baking sheet seam-side down.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and bacon is caramelized.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, watching carefully.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use thin bacon so it crisps properly.
- Internal chicken temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with ranch or honey mustard for dipping.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken tenders
Provide lean, tender meat that cooks quickly and evenly.
Bacon strips
Add smoky flavor and crisp texture.
Brown sugar
Creates a sweet caramelized coating.
Paprika
Adds warmth and color.
Garlic powder
Enhances savory flavor.
Black pepper
Provides subtle heat.
Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
Chili powder (optional)
Introduces a mild spicy contrast.
Fresh parsley (optional)
Adds freshness and visual appeal.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and chili powder if using.
Wrap each chicken tender with a strip of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
Roll each wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring even coating.
Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is crisp. For extra crispness, broil for the final 2–3 minutes, watching carefully.
Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the bacon.
Freezing is possible for up to one month. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can be customized easily. For extra heat, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
I have experimented with using maple syrup in place of part of the brown sugar, which added deeper sweetness.
You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option, though crispness may vary.
For added crunch, sprinkle a small amount of crushed pecans over the tenders before baking.
If serving as an appetizer, cut the tenders into smaller portions before wrapping.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Thin-Cut Bacon
It crisps more evenly during baking.
Do Not Overcrowd
Space tenders to allow proper caramelization.
Broil Briefly
Watch carefully to avoid burning the sugar.
Serve Immediately
They taste best warm and freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, slice them into strips before wrapping.
How do I keep the bacon crisp?
Bake on a wire rack or broil briefly at the end.
Can I make them ahead of time?
They can be prepared and refrigerated before baking.
Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes, though texture may slightly change.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Honey mustard or ranch dressing work well.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 15–18 minutes.
Conclusion
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders combine juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and caramelized sweetness into one irresistible dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for various occasions, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a main dish or appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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