Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Sweet, salty, and irresistibly crispy — these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are perfect for dinner, appetizers, or game day snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy with minimal ingredients
• Sweet and savory combination everyone loves
• Crispy bacon and juicy chicken in every bite
• Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep
• Family-friendly and super flavorful

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 8–10 slices of bacon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of cayenne for a sweet-spicy kick
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
3. Pat chicken dry and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper (add cayenne if using).

2. Wrap with Bacon

1. Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, stretching slightly for a snug fit.
2. Roll the bacon-wrapped tenders in brown sugar, pressing lightly so it sticks.

3. Bake

1. Place tenders seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
3. Optional: broil 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispy caramelized bacon — watch closely to prevent burning.

4. Serve

• Drizzle caramelized pan juices over the tenders.
• Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

You Must Know

• Thin-cut bacon crisps more evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; it prevents crispiness.
• Brown sugar can burn if broiled too long — monitor closely.
• Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Pro Tips

• Use a silicone baking mat for easier cleanup.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little black pepper over the brown sugar before baking.
• Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ dipping sauce.
• Can be made slightly ahead — refrigerate before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken: Chicken breast strips or tenders
• Bacon: Turkey bacon (less crispy but works)
• Brown sugar: Coconut sugar or honey (slightly different flavor)
• Spice: Add smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili powder for heat

Serving Suggestions

• With roasted vegetables or salad for a balanced meal
• Over mashed potatoes or rice
• As a game-day appetizer with dipping sauces
• Paired with roasted sweet potatoes or corn on the cob

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate cooked tenders for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• Can freeze uncooked tenders for up to 1 month; bake straight from frozen (add 5–10 extra minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these spicy?
Yes — add cayenne, chili powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture.

→ Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Yes — air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes — wrap and coat in brown sugar, store in fridge up to 24 hours before baking.

→ How do I prevent the brown sugar from burning?
Don’t broil for too long; use foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for even caramelization.

Print