Name: Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: Chicken tenders – 1½ lbs – Cook quickly (stay tender); Bacon – 10–12 slices (cut in half – Regular-cut for crispiness); Brown sugar – ¾ cup – Light brown for balanced sweetness; Paprika – 1 tsp – Adds mild smokiness and color; Garlic powder – 1 tsp – Savory depth; Salt – ½ tsp – Balances sugar (enhances flavor); Black pepper – ½ tsp – Adds mild heat; Cooking spray or parchment paper – Prevents sticking (easier cleanup.)

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I made these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe on a busy evening when I wanted something comforting but still a little special. From the first bite, I knew this recipe was a keeper because the sweet, salty, and smoky flavors came together perfectly. I loved how simple the prep was, yet the result felt like something you’d order at a restaurant.

The chicken stayed juicy, the bacon crisped beautifully, and the brown sugar caramelized just right. After making them once, I couldn’t wait to share exactly how I did it and what I learned along the way. You can also enjoy similar rich flavors in the Lamb Kalya With Yogurt And Cream Recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick introduction before we dive in. These ingredients are simple, but each one plays a big role in flavor and texture. Using good-quality basics really makes a difference in this recipe. If you want a slightly tangy twist on chicken, you might enjoy the Chicken Piccata Recipe for inspiration.

Chicken tenders – 1½ lbs – Cook quickly, stay tender
Bacon – 10–12 slices, cut in half – Regular-cut for crispiness
Brown sugar – ¾ cup – Light brown for balanced sweetness
Paprika – 1 tsp – Adds mild smokiness and color
Garlic powder – 1 tsp – Savory depth
Salt – ½ tsp – Balances sugar, enhances flavor
Black pepper – ½ tsp – Adds mild heat
Cooking spray or parchment paper – Prevents sticking, easier cleanup

Note: This ingredient quantity serves approximately 4 people as a main dish or 6 as an appetizer.

Variations

Let’s explore a few creative ways to tweak this recipe. These options help adjust flavors or fit different dietary needs without losing the soul of the dish.

For a sugar-free version, you can use a brown sugar substitute made for baking. The caramelization will be slightly lighter, but the flavor still works well.
If you want extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture.
For a smoky-sweet twist, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
You can also swap chicken tenders with chicken breast strips, just keep them evenly sized for consistent cooking.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

A short list before cooking. Having the right tools ready saves time and effort.

Baking sheet – Holds the chicken and allows even heat distribution
Parchment paper or foil – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy
Mixing bowl – Used to combine brown sugar and spices
Tongs – Helps turn the chicken safely while cooking

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe?

Before starting, let me say this recipe is very beginner-friendly. Each step builds flavor while keeping things simple and manageable.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature allows the bacon to cook through while the sugar melts and caramelizes without burning. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray it to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined so every bite has balanced flavor. This mixture is what gives the chicken its signature sweet and savory coating.

Wrap the Chicken with Bacon

Take each chicken tender and wrap it tightly with a half slice of bacon. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly so it stays in place while baking. This step locks in moisture and adds smoky richness.

Coat with Brown Sugar

Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture. Press gently so the sugar sticks well to the bacon. Place each piece seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake Until Caramelized

Bake the chicken tenders for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through. The bacon should be crispy and the sugar bubbling and golden. If needed, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.

Rest Before Serving

Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the sugar set slightly and keeps the chicken juicy. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe a few times, I picked up some helpful tricks. These small details really improved my results.

I always pat the chicken dry before wrapping it so the bacon sticks better.
I place the chicken on a rack over the baking sheet when I want extra crispy bacon.
I learned not to overcrowd the pan because spacing helps the sugar caramelize evenly.
I like brushing off excess sugar to prevent burning at the edges.

How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe?

Let’s talk presentation and pairings. Serving these the right way makes them even more appealing.

I like serving these tenders on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. They pair beautifully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For parties, I arrange them with toothpicks and a small bowl of honey mustard or ranch for dipping. The glossy caramelized bacon makes them look irresistible straight from the oven.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at what you’re eating. These values are approximate and can vary based on portion size.

Calories: Around 420 per serving
Protein: High, thanks to chicken and bacon
Carbohydrates: Moderate due to brown sugar
Fat: Rich, mainly from bacon

Make Ahead and Storage

Let’s make life easier with smart storage options. This recipe is great for planning ahead.

Make Ahead

You can assemble the bacon-wrapped chicken and coat it with sugar up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes entertaining much easier.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing and Reheating

Freeze cooked tenders in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the bacon crispy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s a quick wrap-up before you head to the kitchen. These are the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe.

This recipe stands out because it’s simple yet impressive.

It uses basic ingredients but delivers bold, crowd-pleasing flavor.
The sweet and savory combination works for both kids and adults.
It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or party appetizers.
Cleanup is easy, and the prep time is minimal.

Ash Tyrrell