Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are one of those recipes that prove weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. The combination of crispy bacon, caramelized brown sugar, and juicy chicken creates layers of flavor that hit every note: sweet, smoky, savory, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you don’t make it more often.

I still remember the first time I wrapped bacon around chicken tenders and watched the brown sugar caramelize in the oven. The smell alone had my family hovering around the kitchen before dinner was even ready. What started as an experiment became a regular request in our house. These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, and they’re ready in just 30 minutes. The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon, creating tender chicken bites that disappear fast. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing guests, this easy chicken tender recipe checks every box.

What You’ll Need for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

I always use chicken tenders for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay incredibly juicy. If you can’t find tenders at the store, chicken breast strips work just as well. Pro tip: pat the chicken dry before seasoning so everything sticks better and you get a nice caramelized finish instead of steaming.

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8 to 10 pieces)
• 8 slices bacon (thin-cut preferred)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

For the bacon, I prefer thin-cut varieties because they crisp up faster and wrap around the chicken more easily. You can use turkey bacon if you want a lighter option. Light brown sugar brings those caramel notes I love, but dark brown sugar works too if you want a deeper molasses flavor.

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

I recommend lining your baking dish with foil before you start. Trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier when that brown sugar glaze caramelizes and drips.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with foil and apply cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Lay out the chicken tenders on a clean surface. Season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Toss with brown sugar until every piece is coated. The sugar should stick to the seasoned chicken and create that signature glaze.

Step 3: Wrap each chicken tender with one slice of bacon. If using raw bacon, partially cook it first until pliable but not crisp (about 3-4 minutes) so it crisps up properly without overcooking the chicken. If using pre-cooked bacon, ensure it’s still flexible enough to wrap. Place each wrapped tender seam side down in the baking dish, leaving a little space between pieces for air circulation.

Step 4: Bake for about 20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon looks crisp. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink, and juices should run clear. Watch for the brown sugar to caramelize and turn golden. If you want extra caramelization, broil for 2 to 3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it because that sugar can burn quickly.

Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the juices redistribute and keeps the bacon crispy.

Perfect Pairings for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders pair beautifully with sides that balance the sweet and savory flavors.

Roasted sweet potato wedges: The natural sweetness echoes the brown sugar glaze while adding a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins.

Garlic-buttered green beans: The savory garlic butter cuts through the sweetness and adds a fresh, crisp vegetable element to your plate.

Cauliflower rice: For a lighter, low-carb option, cauliflower rice soaks up any extra glaze without weighing you down.

Maple-glazed Brussels sprouts: These bring another layer of caramelized flavor that complements the bacon brown sugar chicken perfectly.

Crisp green salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet tenders.

For parties, I love serving these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders on small skewers with honey-mustard dipping sauce on the side. It’s one of the best sides for bacon wrapped chicken that keeps everyone coming back for more.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders work beautifully as part of a larger meal plan featuring other quick and flavorful chicken dishes. For another sweet and savory option, the Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken delivers similar caramelized flavors with an Asian-inspired twist that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

When planning weeknight dinners, consider rotating these tenders with other family favorites like Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce for an Italian-style meal, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers for a spicy kick, or Crispy Chinese Honey Chicken for takeout-style flavors at home. Each recipe brings unique flavors while maintaining that same easy preparation style that makes busy evenings manageable.

Storing Your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Let the cooked tenders cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes to restore that crispy bacon texture.

You can freeze these chicken tenders for up to 2 months, but be aware the bacon may soften a bit. Wrap each tender individually in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Pro tip: I recommend avoiding the microwave for reheating. It turns the bacon rubbery and you lose that amazing crispness. The oven or air fryer brings back the texture that makes these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders so irresistible. For make-ahead prep, you can wrap and season the tenders in advance, then store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Common Questions About Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

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