Crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar create a sweet and savory flavor explosion that’s perfect for parties or family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders, fresh or thawed
- 12 strips thin-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: cayenne pepper or chili powder for spice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub gently to coat evenly.
- Wrap each chicken tender tightly with one strip of bacon. Cut the bacon in half if it’s too long and tuck the ends underneath to secure.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar over each bacon-wrapped chicken tender, pressing lightly so it sticks.
- Place the tenders on the prepared wire rack, spaced evenly apart for proper airflow.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to caramelize the brown sugar and crisp up the bacon. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remove the tenders from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
[‘Thin-cut bacon crisps up better and wraps more easily around the chicken.’, ‘Leave space between tenders on the tray for even cooking.’, ‘Monitor closely during the broiling step to avoid burning the brown sugar glaze.’, ‘For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk, garlic, and hot sauce before cooking.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 chicken tenders
- Calories: 150200
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 12
Keywords: chicken tenders, bacon-wrapped chicken, brown sugar chicken, easy appetizer, party food, sweet and savory chicken