Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering combination of savory chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon, sweetened with brown sugar. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making it a hit at any dinner table or party. The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor, while the brown sugar caramelizes during cooking, creating a glossy, sweet coating. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or looking for an appetizer to impress your guests, these chicken tenders will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- Toothpicks or skewers (for securing bacon)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the seasoning mixture.
- Take each chicken tender and sprinkle it evenly with the seasoning mixture, ensuring that all sides are coated.
- Wrap a slice of bacon around each seasoned chicken tender. If the bacon slice is too long, trim it to fit the tender, ensuring it wraps around completely. Secure the bacon with a toothpick or skewer.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, just until the bacon begins to crisp up. This step helps to render some of the bacon fat and ensures a crispy finish.
- After browning the bacon, transfer the chicken tenders to the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar seasoning mixture over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders for extra sweetness.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). The bacon should be crispy, and the brown sugar should have caramelized.
- Optional: For extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of soy sauce over the chicken tenders before baking for a savory kick.
- Once cooked, remove the toothpicks or skewers from the chicken tenders. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion: Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a game-changing recipe that combines the richness of bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a dish that’s both savory and sweet. The combination of flavors will satisfy a wide range of tastes, making it perfect for family dinners, parties, or even as a tasty snack. Simple to make and full of flavor, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.