Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: A Delicious, Sweet, and Savory Recipe to Savor
If you’re looking to elevate your chicken tender game, you’ve come to the right place! Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are an irresistible combination of crispy, savory bacon and sweet brown sugar, wrapped around tender, juicy chicken strips. This recipe is a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or preparing appetizers for a party, these chicken tenders will be a hit every time.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, from gathering your ingredients to enjoying the final dish. We’ll also provide helpful tips for making the best bacon brown sugar chicken tenders, the calorie count per serving, and suggestions for side dishes that complement this delectable dish. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
To make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1.5 pounds of chicken tenderloins (about 10-12 pieces, depending on the size of the chicken)
- 12 slices of bacon (you can use thick-cut or regular bacon based on your preference)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ¼ cup honey (for extra sweetness and glaze)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (to balance the sweetness with tang)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for acidity)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures that the bacon crisps up nicely while the chicken cooks to juicy perfection.
While the oven is preheating, grab a large cutting board and a sharp knife. If your chicken tenderloins are particularly large, feel free to trim them down into more bite-sized pieces. The chicken should be uniform in size so it cooks evenly. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning and bacon adhere better.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoning mix will add both sweetness and a smoky, slightly spicy flavor to the chicken.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, making sure each piece is well-coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to distribute the seasoning. Set the chicken aside to allow the flavors to marinate for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Now comes the fun part—wrapping the chicken in bacon! Take each chicken tender and wrap a slice of bacon around it. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can wrap the bacon tightly around the chicken. However, if you want a slightly looser wrap, that’s fine too! The bacon will shrink as it cooks, so a snug fit will work best.
Be sure to tuck the ends of the bacon underneath the chicken to prevent them from unraveling while cooking. Continue wrapping each chicken tender until all of the pieces are wrapped with bacon.
Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Once all the chicken tenders are wrapped in bacon, take a large baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the baking sheet, using a brush or your hands to spread it evenly. This will help the bacon crisp up without sticking.
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to ensure even cooking. If the chicken pieces are too close together, they may steam rather than crisp up.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Tenders
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Keep an eye on the bacon toward the end of the cooking time, as it can go from crispy to burnt very quickly.
To check if the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken tenders.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the optional glaze to add a finishing touch to the dish. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium-low heat until the glaze is warm and smooth, stirring occasionally. This glaze will give the tenders an extra layer of sweetness and tang.
Step 7: Glaze the Chicken (Optional)
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the hot chicken for an additional burst of flavor. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping if you prefer.
Tips for the Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
To make sure your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon for Extra Crispiness: Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe because it holds up better when wrapped around the chicken. Regular bacon may get too crispy and even burn before the chicken is fully cooked.
- Make Sure the Bacon is Tightly Wrapped: If you leave gaps between the bacon slices, it may not crisp up evenly. Be sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the chicken to ensure a nice, crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s baking to avoid overcooking. The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s perfectly cooked.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice with your sweetness, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This adds a subtle kick that complements the brown sugar and bacon beautifully.
- Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the dish a sharper, more fragrant flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. It’s worth the extra effort!
Calories and Nutrition
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the calories and nutritional information for one serving (one bacon-wrapped chicken tender):
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 9g
Please note that the calorie count may vary depending on the exact ingredients used, the size of the chicken tenders, and whether you choose to add the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
While these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are delicious on their own, they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that complements the sweetness of the chicken.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw balances the rich flavor of the bacon and brown sugar.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes are a great addition to complete the meal.
- Crispy Fries: Serve these tenders with some crispy fries for a more casual yet satisfying meal.
- Corn on the Cob: A side of buttery corn on the cob pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon flavor.
Conclusion
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a truly special dish that combines the best of both sweet and savory worlds. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun family meal, these tenders are sure to be a hit. With their crispy bacon exterior, tender chicken interior, and sweet brown sugar seasoning, these tenders are packed with flavor and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
By following the step-by-step instructions and tips shared in this article, you can make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders that will rival any restaurant dish. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!