Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders combine tender, juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon glazed with a sweet and savory brown sugar coating. Perfectly balanced with a hint of kosher salt and black pepper, this recipe delivers a deliciously sticky and flavorful bite that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Bacon
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
Seasoning and Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch drippings and for easy cleanup.
- Slice the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast into tender-sized strips or tenders, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide for even cooking.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take each chicken tender and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon, securing the ends if needed with toothpicks.
- Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper, mixing well.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks and forms a sweet glaze over the bacon.
- Bake the Tenders: Place the prepared tenders on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help keep the chicken juicy and the glaze set.
Notes
- Using thick-cut bacon will make wrapping easier and create a heartier texture.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar for a less sweet or more caramelized finish.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through using a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Keywords: Chicken tenders, bacon wrapped chicken, brown sugar chicken, baked chicken, sweet and savory chicken