How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for crisping up the bacon while ensuring the chicken cooks through without drying out. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed. The sugar and spices will create a flavorful coating that will melt into the bacon and chicken as they cook.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
Take each chicken tender and wrap it with a slice of cooked bacon. For each piece, ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the chicken. This will keep the bacon in place while it crisps up in the oven. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, feel free to slightly pre-cook the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken in the Brown Sugar Mixture
Once your chicken tenders are wrapped in bacon, roll each one in the brown sugar seasoning mixture. Ensure each piece is coated evenly with the sweet, smoky blend. This will create a caramelized crust that adds depth of flavor to every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Tenders
Place the coated bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out so that the heat can circulate around each piece. Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken tenders and the crispiness of your bacon.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. The bacon will continue to crisp as it cools slightly. Serve these delicious bacon brown sugar chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, or simply enjoy them as they are. They’re perfect for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or even a quick and satisfying snack.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Crispier Bacon: If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, pre-cook it slightly in a skillet or in the microwave before wrapping it around the chicken. This step ensures that the bacon will crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Add Spice: If you like a little heat, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mixture. This adds a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Use Thin-Cut Chicken Tenders: For even faster cooking, opt for thinly sliced chicken tenders. This ensures that the chicken cooks through quickly and evenly, allowing the bacon to crisp up properly.
- Make Ahead: These chicken tenders can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Serving Suggestions for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Bacon brown sugar chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes to complete the meal.
- Crisp Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bacon and brown sugar.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve with a creamy side of mashed potatoes to soak up the savory juices.
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, or brussels sprouts complement the flavors of the tenders while adding a healthy touch.
- Dipping Sauces: These tenders are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of sauces, such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for added flavor.
Conclusion
Bacon brown sugar chicken tenders are the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with the crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar taking these chicken tenders to the next level. This recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weekday dinner, a weekend gathering, or as a finger food for a party, these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and experience the delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
