Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner recipe that combines the irresistible flavors of bacon, brown sugar, and tender chicken, look no further! Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is the perfect dish for those who love sweet and savory flavors. These chicken tenders are coated in a mouthwatering blend of crispy bacon, brown sugar, and seasoning, making them a sure-fire hit with your family or guests. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Chicken Tenders: Fresh, boneless chicken tenders are the perfect choice for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch that complements the sweet brown sugar glaze.
• Brown Sugar: This ingredient brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness that balances the salty bacon perfectly.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: For added depth and savory flavor.
• Paprika: A touch of paprika adds a mild smokiness to the dish.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For searing the chicken tenders before baking.

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:

this recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the chicken tenders after they’ve been coated with the sweet bacon mixture.

2. Prepare the Bacon

Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, chop it into small pieces and set it aside. The bacon will add a delicious crunch and smoky flavor to the chicken tenders.

3. Make the Sweet Bacon Coating

In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the crumbled bacon pieces, ensuring the mixture is evenly combined.

4. Season the Chicken Tenders

Lightly season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

5. Coat the Chicken

Once seared, coat each chicken tender generously with the bacon and brown sugar mixture. Make sure every piece is well covered.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is caramelized.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. These sweet and savory tenders pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Best Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:

• Crispiness: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a more intense sweetness, increase the amount of brown sugar. For a less sweet flavor, reduce it slightly.
• Bacon Alternative: If you’re not a fan of bacon, try using pancetta or turkey bacon as a substitute.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.

Why You’ll Love Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Sweet and Savory: The combination of sweet brown sugar and salty bacon creates a flavor profile that’s hard to beat.
• Family-Friendly: The crispy, caramelized chicken is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.
• Versatile: These tenders make an excellent main dish or a tasty appetizer for parties, game days, or gatherings.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Side Dishes: Serve your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a balanced meal.
• Dips: For an extra touch, pair the tenders with a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Conclusion

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a unique and flavorful twist on the classic chicken tender. The combination of crispy bacon, caramelized brown sugar, and juicy chicken is simply irresistible. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a plateful of sweet, savory goodness!

Serving and Storage Tips for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Hot: For the best taste and texture, serve your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders immediately after baking while they are still hot and crispy. The sweet and savory flavor will be at its peak.
2. Accompaniments: These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a more casual meal, try serving them with fries or onion rings.
3. Dipping Sauces: Elevate the flavor experience by offering a selection of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are great options to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
4. As an Appetizer: If you’re serving these tenders as an appetizer, cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. Arrange them on a platter and provide dipping sauces on the side for guests to enjoy.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Allow the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
2. Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make a large batch in advance, Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can be frozen. After cooling, place the tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
3. Reheating: For the best results, reheat the chicken tenders in the oven rather than the microwave to retain their crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the tenders for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fully heated through. If you want to re-crisp them, place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders fresh or save them for later without compromising their delicious flavor and texture.

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Simply cut the chicken breasts into strips or smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken breasts tend to be thicker than tenders.

2. Can I make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders in advance. You can coat the chicken with the bacon and brown sugar mixture and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, just bake as instructed. Alternatively, you can fully bake the tenders and store them in the fridge, then reheat them in the oven for a quick meal.

3. How do I make this recipe spicier?
If you prefer a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the bacon and brown sugar mixture. Adjust the spice level to your preference by starting with a small amount and tasting as you go.

4. Can I use turkey bacon in this recipe?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute for regular bacon if you’re looking for a lower-fat option. Keep in mind that turkey bacon is typically leaner, so it may not get as crispy as regular bacon, but it will still add a nice smoky flavor to the chicken tenders.

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