Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger with a passion for recipes that bring people together. Few dishes capture indulgence quite like these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. Wrapped in smoky bacon, coated with caramelized brown sugar, and baked until irresistibly crispy, they balance sweet, savory, and salty in every bite. This dish is playful yet elegant—ideal as a party appetizer, weeknight indulgence, or game-day star. Prepare to wow your family and guests with a recipe that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

This recipe transforms humble chicken tenders into something unforgettable. Each piece is wrapped in smoky bacon, sprinkled with brown sugar, and roasted to perfection. As the bacon crisps, the sugar caramelizes, creating a sticky glaze that’s both savory and sweet. Easy to prepare, these chicken tenders are crowd-pleasers at parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Whether served with dipping sauces or enjoyed straight off the tray, their irresistible crunch and flavor make them a recipe you’ll want to cook again and again.

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Fusion: Sweet brown sugar, smoky bacon, and juicy chicken create balance.
Crispy Texture: Bacon crisps beautifully while sugar caramelizes into a glaze.
Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as appetizers, mains, or snacks.
Crowd Favorite: Loved by kids, adults, and party guests alike.

Health Benefits

Protein-Rich: Chicken and bacon provide satisfying protein.
Energy Boost: Brown sugar adds quick-release energy.
Customizable: Can be adapted to lower-carb sweeteners or turkey bacon.
Balanced Portions: Tenders offer built-in portion control.
Happiness Factor: Comfort food boosts mood and connection.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
1 lb bacon (thin-cut works best for crispiness)
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Season chicken tenders with smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne if using. Wrap each tender with a strip of bacon, securing ends underneath. Roll or sprinkle with brown sugar, pressing lightly to coat. Arrange on the rack. Bake 25–30 minutes until bacon is crispy and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Instructions:

Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This allows heat to circulate and bacon to crisp evenly.
Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne if desired. This seasoning enhances the flavor base beneath the bacon.
Wrap with Bacon:
Take one strip of bacon and wrap it snugly around each chicken tender, overlapping slightly. Place seam-side down so it stays secure during cooking.
Add Brown Sugar Coating:
Place brown sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each bacon-wrapped tender lightly in sugar or sprinkle generously on top. Press gently so the sugar adheres.
Bake to Perfection:
Arrange chicken tenders on the wire rack with space between each piece. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until bacon is golden brown, sugar has caramelized, and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Optional Broil:
For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning the sugar glaze.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

The result? Juicy chicken wrapped in smoky bacon with a sweet caramelized crust—a dish that delivers indulgence, crunch, and flavor in every bite.

Cook & Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Carbs: 7g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg

Serving with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are best served hot and crispy straight from the oven. Arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy barbecue. They also shine as a main course alongside mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. For casual gatherings, serve them skewered with toothpicks for easy finger food. Whether plated elegantly for dinner or passed around at a party, their sweet-and-savory crunch makes them irresistible in any setting.

Pro Tips & Variations

Make It Spicy: Add cayenne or chili flakes to sugar coating.
Lower-Carb Option: Use a brown sugar substitute like monk fruit.
Turkey Bacon Swap: For a lighter version, use turkey bacon.
Add Herbs: Mix dried thyme or rosemary into the brown sugar.
Party-Perfect: Cut tenders into bite-size pieces and bake as appetizers.

FAQ:

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking. Bake just before serving.

Q: How do I keep them crispy?
A: Bake on a wire rack and broil briefly at the end if needed.

Q: Can I air-fry these?
A: Absolutely—air-fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: What dipping sauces pair best?
A: Ranch, honey mustard, spicy aioli, or barbecue sauce.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, freeze baked tenders up to 2 months. Reheat in oven to keep bacon crispy.

The Bottom Line

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Smoky bacon, caramelized sugar, and juicy chicken come together in a recipe that balances sweet, salty, and savory. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, these tenders fit every occasion—from weeknight cravings to festive gatherings. With their irresistible crunch and flavor, they’re a dish your family and guests will request again and again. Comforting, indulgent, and unforgettable, this recipe belongs in every cook’s collection.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders – Sweet, Savory, & Irresistibly Crispy!