Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe 🍗🥓
If you’re looking for a mouthwatering dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a must-try! Perfect for a family dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe brings together the succulent taste of tender chicken with the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon, all wrapped in a sweet and sticky brown sugar glaze. 🍯🔥
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food. The chicken tenders are juicy and tender, coated in a luscious layer of brown sugar that caramelizes to perfection, while the bacon adds a delightful crunch and a burst of umami flavor. This dish is not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a visually appealing addition to your dining table.
Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make! With only a few ingredients, you can create a gourmet dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients 📝
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions 👩🍳
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 🔥
- Prepare the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well blended. This will be your flavorful coating for the chicken tenders.
- Wrap the chicken: Take each chicken tender and wrap it with a slice of bacon. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly at the ends to secure it. If necessary, use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place.
- Coat with the spice mix: Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the sugar adheres to the bacon and chicken.
- Optional step for extra crispiness: Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken tenders. This will help the bacon crisp up even more during baking.
- Bake: Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. You can also broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a deeper caramelization.
- Serve: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these deliciously sweet and savory treats as a main dish or an appetizer! 😋
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
- Yes, you can! Just cut the chicken breast into strips similar in size to tenders. This will ensure even cooking and the perfect bacon-to-chicken ratio.
2. Can I prepare these in advance?
- Absolutely! You can wrap the chicken in bacon and coat it with the brown sugar mixture a few hours ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.
3. What can I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
- These tenders pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a party, serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
4. How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?
- For extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon slices in a pan before wrapping them around the chicken. Just make sure they’re still flexible enough to wrap around the tenders.
5. Can I use turkey bacon instead?
- Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking to cut down on fat. Just be aware that turkey bacon may not crisp up as much as regular bacon, so you might want to broil it for a couple of minutes at the end of the baking process.
This Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite! 🍴✨
