Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe | Sweet & Savory

When I first tried this recipe, I couldn’t believe how something with only five ingredients could be so delicious.

These chicken tenders came out of the oven perfectly sticky, sweet, and savory, and my family devoured them in minutes. 

The combination of crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar is absolutely irresistible. It has become my go-to appetizer for game days and casual get-togethers because it’s so easy to whip up.

I promise, once you make these, they’ll be a regular in your rotation too.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing dish.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is the lean base for our tenders. You’ll cut each breast into four equal strips.
• 8 slices bacon: I find that regular-cut bacon works best as it crisps up nicely without overpowering the chicken. Thick-cut bacon might take longer to cook.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: This creates the sweet, caramelized glaze that makes the tenders so addictive.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness of the sugar.
• 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Adds a tiny bit of warmth and spice.

Note: These quantities will yield approximately 4 servings.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Sugar-Free: You can use a brown sugar substitute if you need to limit your sugar intake. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add ¼ teaspoon of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture. A dash of sriracha also works well.
• Flavor Boost: For a deeper, more molasses-like flavor, substitute the light brown sugar with dark brown sugar.
• Meat Swap: This recipe works great with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just cut them into strips similar in size to the tenders.

Cooking Time

This appetizer comes together in no time, making it perfect for a last-minute treat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets for this recipe.

• Baking Dish: A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for arranging the tenders without overcrowding them.
• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a medium-sized bowl to toss the chicken tenders in the brown sugar mixture.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Use these for safely slicing the chicken breasts into tenders.
• Tongs: These are helpful for turning or serving the hot chicken tenders.

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

Follow these simple steps to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Prepare the Oven and Chicken

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut each one into four even strips, creating your tenders. This ensures they all cook evenly.

Season the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss them until each piece is thoroughly coated in the sugar mixture. This step is what builds that wonderful sweet and salty flavor base.

Wrap in Bacon

Now for the fun part. Take one slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around a seasoned chicken tender. Place the wrapped tender seam-side down in your baking dish. Repeat this process for all the remaining chicken tenders, arranging them in a single layer.

Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle any leftover brown sugar mixture over the top of the wrapped tenders. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the bacon should be crispy and caramelized.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this a few times, I’ve picked up a couple of tricks to make it even better.

• I recommend placing a wire rack inside your baking dish. This elevates the chicken tenders, allowing the bacon to get crispy on all sides by keeping it out of the grease that renders out.
• For extra crispy bacon, I pop the tenders under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on them, as the sugar can burn quickly.
• If I have the time, I partially cook the bacon for a few minutes in a skillet before wrapping the chicken. This guarantees the bacon will be perfectly crisp when the chicken is done.
• Don’t be afraid to secure the bacon with a toothpick if it’s not staying put. Just remember to remove them before serving!

How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

These tenders are fantastic on their own, but a few simple touches can elevate the presentation. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color.

They are perfect for dipping, so I like to serve them with a side of creamy ranch dressing or a tangy honey mustard sauce. For a full appetizer spread, pair them with other game-day favorites.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.

• Calories: 308 kcal
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fat: 9g

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning ahead is easy with this recipe.

Make Ahead

You can prepare these tenders ahead of time by seasoning the chicken, wrapping it in bacon, and placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just place them in the baking dish and bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be cold.

Storing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps the bacon re-crisp. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bacon rubbery.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cooked tender individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this dish is sure to become a favorite.

• Incredibly Easy: With just five common ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a simple way to create a seriously impressive appetizer or meal.
• Amazing Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet brown sugar, salty bacon, and savory chicken creates a perfectly balanced and addictive flavor profile that everyone loves.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a game-day snack, these chicken tenders fit the bill. They are always the first thing to disappear from the table.
• Easily Customizable: It’s simple to adjust this recipe to your liking. You can make it spicy, use different cuts of meat, or even switch to a sugar substitute without any hassle.