Sweet and Smoky Chicken Tenders

This bacon-wrapped chicken tender recipe transforms simple ingredients into a caramelized, savory-sweet dish that never fails to impress dinner guests while being surprisingly easy to prepare. The brown sugar creates a delicious glaze as it melts into the bacon during baking, creating that perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

I first made these bacon brown sugar chicken tenders for a game day gathering, and they disappeared faster than any other appetizer. Now they've become my go-to recipe whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that doesn't keep me stuck in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: 1 lb provides the perfect portion size and cooks evenly
• Bacon: 8 slices, choose thick-cut for better wrapping and flavor
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, light brown works well but dark brown adds more molasses flavor
• Garlic powder: 1 tsp, adds depth without the bite of fresh garlic
• Onion powder: 1 tsp, provides savory notes that balance the sweetness
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp, the secret ingredient that adds complexity
• Salt and pepper: To taste, always season chicken properly before wrapping
• Olive oil or butter: 2 tbsp, helps achieve that beautiful caramelization
• Parsley: Optional but adds a fresh color contrast and subtle flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper which prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. The temperature is important here to ensure the bacon crisps while the chicken cooks through without drying out.

Season The Chicken:

Mix all your dry seasonings together first for even distribution, then thoroughly coat each chicken tender. This seasoning layer creates flavor depth that permeates the meat even through the bacon wrapper.

Wrap With Bacon:

Start at one end of the chicken tender and wrap the bacon around at a slight angle, overlapping slightly as you go. The bacon will shrink during cooking, so don't wrap too tightly. If using thinner bacon strips, you might need to use toothpicks to secure them.

Apply Brown Sugar Coating:

Press each wrapped tender firmly into the brown sugar, turning to coat all sides. The sugar should adhere well to the natural moisture of the bacon. This step creates the amazing caramelized exterior that makes this dish special.

Arrange And Drizzle:

Place the tenders on your baking sheet with a bit of space between each one. The oil or butter drizzle helps the bacon crisp and the sugar caramelize properly rather than just melting away.

Bake To Perfection:

The 25-30 minute baking time is crucial. At the halfway point, carefully flip each tender with tongs to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them toward the end as the sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly.

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My daughter requests these tenders for her birthday dinner every year. I've found that adding a tiny pinch of cayenne to the spice mix creates an incredible sweet-heat combo that elevates the whole dish without making it spicy. The contrast between the crispy bacon exterior and juicy chicken interior is what makes this recipe truly special.

Make-Ahead Options

These chicken tenders can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare everything through the sugar-coating step, then cover tightly and refrigerate. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for the best results. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.

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Serving Suggestions

These bacon-wrapped tenders pair beautifully with lighter sides to balance their richness. I serve them with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. For a more substantial meal, they're excellent alongside garlic mashed potatoes or buttered rice. A honey mustard dipping sauce complements the sweet-savory profile perfectly.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is fantastic, but I've created several variations over the years that have become family favorites. Try adding a sprinkle of chili powder to the brown sugar for a sweet heat version. For a teriyaki twist, brush the chicken with teriyaki sauce before wrapping in bacon. Maple lovers can substitute pure maple sugar for brown sugar and add a drop of maple extract to the seasoning mix for an amazing breakfast-for-dinner option.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?

To ensure crispy bacon, bake the tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet and broil for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips to create chicken tenders of similar size for this recipe.

→ What can I substitute for smoked paprika?

For a smoky flavor, you can use regular paprika with a pinch of cayenne or a dash of liquid smoke as an alternative.

→ How do I prevent the sugar from burning?

Watch the tenders closely as they bake, especially during the broiling step. Baking at 375°F helps caramelize the brown sugar without burning.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped tenders in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

→ What side dishes pair well with this?

These tenders pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.