Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders – Sweet, Salty & Totally Irresistible 🥩🍯
If you’re a fan of the perfect balance between sweet and savory, this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tender recipe is about to become your new favorite dish!
These juicy chicken tenders are wrapped in crispy bacon and seasoned with a rich blend of brown sugar and smoky spices for a caramelized, mouthwatering finish. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or preparing appetizers for a party, these tenders are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Let’s dive into how to make this flavor-packed recipe!
🍖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect sweet-and-salty combo : Brown sugar meets crispy bacon in every bite.
- Juicy and tender : The chicken stays moist while the bacon crisps up beautifully.
- Easy to make : Just wrap, season, bake or grill — no complicated steps.
- Great for any occasion : Ideal for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or holiday parties.
- Versatile : Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or even on a bun like mini sandwiches.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 4 Servings)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
- 8 slices of bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or wire rack tray
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Toothpicks or skewers (optional)
- Measuring tools
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven or Grill
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill/smoker for indirect cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a mixing bowl:
- Add the chicken tenders or strips .
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter .
- Sprinkle with salt , pepper , garlic powder , and onion powder .
- Toss well to coat evenly. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each chicken tender, starting at one end and working your way to the other. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Tip: If using thick-cut bacon, it holds up better during baking/grilling.
Step 4: Coat with Brown Sugar & Spice Mix
In a small bowl:
- Combine ½ cup brown sugar with ½ tsp smoked paprika .
- Generously press the sugar mixture onto each bacon-wrapped chicken tender, ensuring an even coating.
This will form a sticky, caramelized crust when cooked.
Step 5: Bake or Grill
Place the chicken tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet (for crispier results) or directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes , or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) .
Alternatively, cook on a preheated indirect heat grill for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and enhances flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- As a main dish with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies.
- With a side of honey mustard , barbecue sauce , or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Sliced and served on buns or sliders for a handheld treat.
- Over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad.
- With a drizzle of sriracha honey for a spicy-sweet kick.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked tenders (before baking) for up to 2 months . Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for best crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the wire rack — it helps the bacon crisp up evenly.
- For extra caramelization, brush the tenders lightly with maple syrup or BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Double the batch and meal prep for easy lunches or snacks.
- Try wrapping shrimp or pork bites instead for a variation on this sweet-and-savory style.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
While indulgent, these tenders still offer some nutritional benefits:
- Chicken provides lean protein to support muscle growth and repair.
- Bacon adds flavor and healthy fats in moderation.
- Brown sugar contains trace minerals like calcium and potassium.
- Spices like garlic and paprika offer antioxidant properties.
Enjoy them as a special treat or part of a balanced diet.
📝 Final Thoughts
The Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders bring together the best of both worlds — the deep smokiness of bacon, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the juiciness of perfectly seasoned chicken.
It’s a simple but unforgettable recipe that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating the kids, or just craving something bold and flavorful, these tenders deliver big on taste.
So fire up your oven or grill, grab some bacon, and get ready to savor every sweet and salty bite!
