Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Chicken tenders are a classic comfort food, but when you add the irresistible combination of bacon and brown sugar, they transform into a gourmet treat. This recipe takes simple ingredients and elevates them into a dish that is sweet, smoky, and perfectly tender. Ideal for both family meals and entertaining guests, these tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering layers of flavor that are hard to resist.

My recipe story

Growing up, chicken tenders were my go-to comfort food, but I wanted to create a version that felt a little more special. Inspired by a bacon-wrapped appetizer I once had at a friend’s party, I experimented with combining brown sugar and bacon into a crispy coating for chicken. After a few trials, I perfected the balance of sweetness and smokiness that made these tenders irresistible. Now, this recipe has become a staple in my home kitchen and a requested dish at family gatherings.

Ingredient breakdown

This recipe is all about simplicity and maximizing flavor. The main star is the chicken breast, which should be fresh or fully thawed if previously frozen. Choosing boneless, skinless chicken ensures even cooking and a tender bite every time. The brown sugar creates a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while the bacon adds a smoky, savory depth.

Other essential ingredients include Kosher salt for seasoning, black pepper for a subtle bite, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika to enhance the smoky profile. Butter or olive oil can be brushed on top for added richness and to help the brown sugar adhere. These ingredients together produce a tender, flavorful chicken tender that tastes indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

For the topping, finely chopped bacon works best, as it crisps up quickly and evenly during baking. If you prefer a milder bacon flavor, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the amount slightly. The brown sugar can be light or dark, depending on whether you want a milder sweetness or a richer caramelized taste.

Equipment you’ll need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Brush for glazing (optional)
• Tongs or spatula for turning chicken
• Oven mitts for safety

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts. Slice them into even strips, about 1–1.5 inches thick. This ensures uniform cooking and that each tender is juicy and flavorful. Place the chicken strips in a large mixing bowl and season with Kosher salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 2: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This also prevents the tenders from sticking and allows the brown sugar glaze to caramelize beautifully. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the bacon topping
Chop your bacon into small, uniform pieces. If you like a stronger smoky flavor, you can increase the bacon quantity slightly. Mix the bacon with brown sugar in a small bowl. The sugar helps the bacon crisp up while forming a delicious glaze that sticks to the chicken tenders.

Step 4: Coat the chicken
Brush the chicken strips lightly with melted butter or olive oil to help the sugar and bacon mixture adhere. Then, press the brown sugar and bacon mixture onto the chicken, ensuring each tender is fully coated. For an extra sticky glaze, you can press a second layer of brown sugar on top just before baking.

Step 5: Bake the chicken
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. The tenders are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.

Step 6: Serve immediately
Once baked, remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for 2–3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender moist. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations & substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. Use turkey bacon or prosciutto for a lighter alternative. For a spicier kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the brown sugar mixture. You can also bake the tenders in an air fryer for a faster, crispy finish without using as much fat.

Expert tips & troubleshooting

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooked tenders on a baking sheet and freeze individually for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain crispiness. This recipe also works well as a make-ahead option; simply assemble the chicken with the brown sugar and bacon mixture, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Serving ideas & pairings

These tenders pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For an indulgent option, add mac and cheese or a buttery corn on the cob. Dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo enhance the flavors and make them even more irresistible. They also work wonderfully as finger food for parties, paired with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust baking time to ensure they reach 165°F internally.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any additional sauces or seasonings you use do not contain gluten.

3. How do I keep the brown sugar from burning?
Bake at a moderate temperature and consider covering the tenders with foil halfway through cooking. You can also use light brown sugar to reduce the risk of burning.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the tenders with the bacon and brown sugar mixture and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh for best results.

5. Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives a crispy exterior without using as much oil.

6. What dipping sauces go best with these tenders?
Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, and sriracha mayo all complement the sweet and smoky flavor beautifully.

Final thoughts

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food upgrade—easy, flavorful, and irresistible. With a perfect blend of sweet and smoky, they’re versatile enough for casual weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. With these tips, variations, and storage options, you can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish anytime. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in kitchens everywhere!

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Sweet, smoky, and crispy chicken tenders coated with brown sugar and bacon for an irresistible flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

•  2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  
• 3 slices bacon, finely chopped
  
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Trim chicken breasts and cut into 1–1.5 inch strips. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

3. Chop bacon into small pieces and mix with brown sugar in a small bowl.
4. Brush chicken strips with melted butter or olive oil and press the brown sugar-bacon mixture onto each piece.

5. Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches 165°F and bacon is crispy.
7. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
   

Notes

 For extra crispy bacon, partially cook before mixing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Serve with mashed potatoes, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American