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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

4.6 from 88 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Slice the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast into tender-sized strips or tenders, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide for even cooking.
  3. Wrap with Bacon: Take each chicken tender and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon, securing the ends if needed with toothpicks.
  4. Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper, mixing well.
  5. 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.
  6. 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).
  7. 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