Crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe – Savory & Sweet!
Have you ever craved a bacon brown sugar chicken tenders dish that surprises your palate?
Crispy edges meet sweet and savory notes in this unexpected culinary creation.
Salt and sugar dance together, creating a mouthwatering glaze that clings perfectly to tender chicken strips.
Thick-cut bacon brings a smoky dimension that elevates these simple tenders into something extraordinary.
Nobody expects such a simple combination to deliver such complex flavors.
Each bite promises a delightful contrast between caramelized sweetness and rich meat textures.
You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next gathering or weeknight dinner adventure.
Why Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Hit Every Note
All the Ingredients for Sweet & Savory Chicken Tenders
Meat Base:Seasoning Blend:Cooking Essentials:How to Bake or Air-Fry These Addictive Tenders
Step 1: Fire Up the Oven
Crank the oven to 375F (190C). This hot zone will transform your chicken into a golden, caramelized delight.
Step 2: Crisp and Crumble Bacon
Sizzle bacon in a skillet until it reaches maximum crunchiness. Chop into tiny pieces that’ll add explosive flavor and texture to your chicken.
Step 3: Whip Up Flavor Explosion
Grab a mixing bowl and combine:Stir until every ingredient dances together in perfect harmony.
Step 4: Prep the Chicken
Sprinkle salt and pepper on chicken tenders. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until it develops a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 5: Lavish with Coating
Generously massage the bacon-sugar mixture onto each chicken tender. Ensure every inch is covered in this sweet and savory armor.
Step 6: Bake to Caramelized Perfection
Spread chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a beautiful caramelized exterior and fully cooked interior.
Step 7: Serve with Flair
Let chicken rest briefly. Plate with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. Watch mouths water as you present this flavor-packed dish.
Tips to Get the Bacon and Glazed
Storing Chicken Tenders Without Losing Crunch
Great Pairings for These Flavor-Packed Tenders
Ways to Mix Up the Sweet-Savory Game
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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Succulent bacon brown sugar chicken tenders blend sweet and savory flavors in one irresistible dish. Crispy bacon wraps tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal that delivers maximum satisfaction in every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
- 8–10 slices bacon
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a baking surface for the culinary transformation about to unfold.
- Render the bacon until crisp and golden, then meticulously chop into fine, crunchy fragments that will provide textural complexity to the dish.
- Craft a flavor-packed coating by blending brown sugar with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a harmonious dry mixture that will caramelize beautifully.
- Incorporate the finely chopped bacon pieces into the sugar spice blend, ensuring an even distribution of smoky and sweet elements.
- Season chicken tenders with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper, awakening their natural flavors.
- Sear the seasoned tenders in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a rich golden exterior that seals in moisture and creates a beautiful color.
- Generously enrobe each tender with the bacon-studded sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure maximum adherence and flavor penetration.
- Transfer the lavishly coated tenders to a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing precise heat distribution during the final cooking stage.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching as the coating transforms into a glistening, caramelized crust while the chicken reaches perfect doneness.
- Allow the tenders to rest briefly, letting the juices redistribute and the coating set, before serving alongside complementary side dishes that highlight their sweet and savory profile.
Notes
- Maximize bacon crispiness by cooking it slowly over medium-low heat to prevent burning and ensure an even, crunchy texture.
- Opt for thick-cut bacon to provide more substantial crumbles and intensify the smoky flavor throughout the chicken tenders.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
- Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic index option that maintains the delightful caramelized coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 509
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Dave Mitchell
Founder & Chief Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking.
Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.
Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.