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Sweet and Savory Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders


  • Author: Annabel
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

These Sweet and Savory Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders combine juicy chicken with smoky bacon and a caramelized brown sugar glaze. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or snacking, this recipe is simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. Each tender is crispy, sweet, savory, and guaranteed to impress.


Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 strips thick-cut bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow for even cooking.

2. Prepare the Chicken

  • Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1–1.5 inches wide.
  • Season the chicken strips with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.

3. Wrap in Bacon

  • Wrap each chicken strip tightly with a slice of thick-cut bacon, slightly overlapping the edges to ensure it stays in place.
  • Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary.

4. Coat with Brown Sugar

  • Place the light brown sugar in a shallow dish.
  • Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the sugar, pressing gently to coat evenly.

5. Bake the Tenders

  • Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Optional Broiling

  • For extra crispiness, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.

7. Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the tenders from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  • Pair with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy aioli, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut bacon for the best results, as it wraps well and crisps up beautifully.
  • If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the tenders directly on the foil, but they may not crisp as evenly.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the brown sugar before coating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American