Introduction:
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering, sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy bacon and the caramelized brown sugar coating elevate the tender chicken to new heights, giving you an irresistible combination of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or a party appetizer, these chicken tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Quick and easy to make, they’re packed with flavor and guaranteed to leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
6 strips of bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the bacon: Lay the strips of bacon on a separate baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and crumble into small pieces.
Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form your seasoning mixture.
Coat the chicken tenders: Brush the chicken tenders with olive oil. Then, coat each piece with the brown sugar seasoning mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the seasoning sticks.
Wrap with bacon: Take the crumbled bacon and gently press it onto the chicken tenders, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Bake the chicken: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. You can also broil them for the last 2-3 minutes to make the bacon extra crispy.
Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley (optional), and serve immediately.
Description:
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a unique and flavorful twist on traditional chicken tenders. The tender chicken is wrapped in crispy, caramelized bacon and coated with a rich brown sugar seasoning that balances sweetness with a touch of savory spices. The result is a crunchy exterior and juicy, flavorful chicken inside. The combination of bacon and brown sugar creates an irresistible glaze, while the seasoning blend adds depth and complexity to each bite. Whether served as a main dish or as a tasty snack, this recipe delivers a satisfying and indulgent experience.
Tips:
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, feel free to cook it a little longer in the oven before wrapping it around the chicken.
To make this dish even more indulgent, you can drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the finished chicken tenders for added sweetness.
If you don’t have fresh parsley for garnish, you can use dried parsley or skip it entirely.
Make sure to not overcrowd the chicken tenders on the baking sheet to allow the bacon to crisp up properly.
Variations:
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
BBQ Bacon Chicken Tenders: Swap the brown sugar and spices for your favorite barbecue seasoning or sauce for a smoky flavor.
Honey Mustard Bacon Chicken: Instead of the brown sugar mixture, use a honey mustard glaze for a tangy twist.
Herb-Infused Bacon: Add dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mixture for an herby twist that pairs well with the bacon.
Correction:
Ensure the bacon is cooked fully crispy before wrapping it around the chicken. Undercooked bacon will not crisp up as much when baked with the chicken, and you may end up with a chewy texture instead of a crunchy one.
Enjoy:
Once your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are hot out of the oven, enjoy the sweet and savory goodness that comes with each bite. Whether paired with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or served alone as a delicious snack, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!