Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

 

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: The Sweet & Savory Combo You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s equal parts sweet, savory, crispy, and irresistible — Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are it. These aren’t your average chicken strips. We’re talking juicy chicken wrapped in smoky bacon, rolled in brown sugar, and baked until caramelized and golden.

They're sticky. They’re sweet. They’re salty.
And they disappear from the plate in seconds.

Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting game night, or just craving a next-level dinner idea, this simple recipe is your new best friend.

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🥓🍗 What Makes These Chicken Tenders So Addictive?

• Only a handful of ingredients – but BIG flavor.

• Sweet + salty combo – always a winner.

• Baked, not fried – easy cleanup and no grease splatter.

• Versatile – serve as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)

• 8–10 slices of bacon

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a little kick)

• Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)

• Cooking spray or parchment paper

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (or use parchment for easy cleanup).

2. Season the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper.

3. Wrap in Bacon:
   Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

4. Coat with Brown Sugar Mix:
   Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing it in so it sticks.

5. Bake:
   Place on the prepared rack and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. (Watch closely — sugar can burn!)

6. Cool & Serve:
   Let rest for a few minutes before serving. The caramelized sugar will be HOT.

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🤤 Serving Suggestions

• As an appetizer: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks.

• For dinner: Pair with mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, or a green salad.

• As a party food: Make a double batch — they’ll be gone fast.

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🔥 Tips & Tricks

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the sugar mix for a sweet-and-spicy twist.

• No rack? Bake directly on parchment and flip halfway for even crisping.

• Make ahead: Prep the tenders in the morning and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — but it only takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you want to impress without the stress.

Bacon + brown sugar + chicken = a flavor bomb you didn’t know you needed.

The crispy, candied bacon exterior gives way to juicy, tender chicken on the inside — it’s the kind of combo that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Oh wow.”

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📌 Final Thoughts

If you love recipes that are easy, insanely delicious, and guaranteed to get rave reviews, Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders need to be on your must-try list. It’s sweet. It’s savory. It’s slightly sticky. And it’s absolutely unforgettable.

Just be warned: once you make these, you’ll be asked to bring them to every party, potluck, and family dinner from here on out. 😉