Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with crispy bacon wrapping up tender, juicy chicken tenders. The brown sugar adds a nice caramelized sweetness that complements the smoky bacon beautifully. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer.

Here’s a delicious recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 tenders)
• 12 slices of bacon (you may need more depending on the number of tenders)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds a nice smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
• If you’d like a bit of extra flavor, you can brush the tenders with Dijon mustard before adding the brown sugar mix.

2. Make the Brown Sugar Coating:

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well until the sugar and seasoning are evenly mixed.

3. Wrap the Chicken in Bacon:

• Take each chicken tender and sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on all sides of the chicken.
• Wrap each chicken tender with one slice of bacon. If necessary, secure the bacon with toothpicks. You can wrap the bacon completely around or just a couple of times depending on the size of the chicken tender and bacon slices.

4. Cook the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Once the skillet is hot, place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The sugar will caramelize, giving the chicken a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• If the bacon isn’t crisp enough for your liking, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the bacon further (check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).

5. Serve:

• Once cooked, remove the toothpicks (if used) and serve immediately.
• Serve these tenders with a side of your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, barbecue, or even a spicy mustard sauce) and some crispy vegetables or fries.

Tips:

• For extra sweetness: You can drizzle a bit of honey over the chicken tenders before serving.
• Bake option: If you prefer baking over frying, place the bacon-wrapped tenders on a baking rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot sauce over the chicken tenders for a spicy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are bound to be a hit with anyone who loves the combination of sweet and savory. Enjoy the crispy bacon and juicy chicken with that irresistible brown sugar glaze!