The smell of bacon and brown sugar in your kitchen is irresistible. It makes you crave comfort food. As a busy parent, finding tasty meals that are quick to make is a challenge. That’s why I’m excited to share Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with you. It’s a dish that combines delicious flavors with easy preparation.
This recipe is perfect for those who love sweet and savory flavors. It wraps chicken tenders in crispy bacon and a brown sugar glaze. This creates a flavor adventure that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, great for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe combines the mouthwatering flavors of crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar to create a delicious and easy-to-prepare chicken dish.
- The recipe yields 680 shares on social media platforms, indicating its popularity among home cooks.
- It requires 8 slices of bacon and 1/2 cup of brown sugar to achieve the perfect sweet and savory balance.
- Baking the chicken tenders takes 20-25 minutes, ensuring they are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Versatile side dish options, such as sweet potato fries, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad, can be paired with the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders.
Understanding the Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory Flavors
The mix of sweet brown sugar and savory bacon makes sweet and savory chicken taste amazing. The brown sugar caramelizes, adding depth and richness. Meanwhile, the bacon brings a smoky, salty flavor. This mix of tastes makes the caramelized chicken tenders even more enjoyable.
The Science Behind Sweet and Savory Combinations
Our taste buds love a mix of sweet and savory. When these flavors meet, they start a complex dance of taste. The sweet brown sugar balances the bacon’s salty, umami taste. This creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Why Brown Sugar and Bacon Work Together
When brown sugar caramelizes, it gets sweeter and richer. This sweetness pairs well with bacon’s smoky, savory taste. Together, they make a sweet and savory chicken dish that’s both comforting and tempting.
| Ingredient | Contribution to Flavor |
|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | Provides a rich, caramelized sweetness that balances the savory bacon |
| Bacon | Adds a smoky, salty, and umami-rich element that complements the sweetness |
“The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish creates a truly addictive taste experience. The caramelized chicken tenders are simply irresistible.”
Essential Ingredients for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Creating the perfect chicken breast tenders with a sweet and savory twist is all about the ingredients. This brown sugar glazed chicken tenders recipe uses a few simple items. Together, they create a flavor experience you won’t forget.
Start with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders. They’re the ideal size and shape for this dish. For a crispy, salty layer, use 8 slices of bacon. Make sure the bacon is not too thick.
The dish’s sweetness comes from 1/2 cup of brown sugar. A mix of spices adds depth to the flavor. You’ll need 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast Tenders | 1 pound |
| Bacon | 8 slices |
| Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a dish that will impress everyone. Your family and guests will love the sweet and savory flavors of these chicken breast tenders.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make delicious baked chicken tenders with bacon and brown sugar glaze, you need some key kitchen tools. Before starting, make sure you have these items ready:
Basic Equipment Requirements
- Baking sheet or 13×9 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)
Optional Tools for Enhanced Preparation
- Meat thermometer (to ensure proper cooking temperature)
- Broiler (for crisping the bacon, if needed)
With these basic kitchen tools, you’re set to make the best baked chicken tenders. They combine the tasty flavors of brown sugar and bacon. Now, let’s get into how to make this tasty dish step by step!
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Baking sheet or 13×9 inch baking dish | To cook the chicken tenders in the oven |
| Parchment paper or aluminum foil | To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup |
| Toothpicks | To secure the bacon around the chicken tenders |
| Meat thermometer | To ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F |
| Broiler | To crisp up the bacon, if desired, towards the end of cooking |
Preparing Your Chicken Tenders for Maximum Flavor
To make your chicken wrapped with bacon and brown sugar taste amazing, start with the right prep. Cut your chicken tenders in half lengthwise if they’re big. This makes them cook evenly and helps wrap the bacon better.
Then, mix up a tasty rub with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub this mix all over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. This way, every piece gets a good flavor boost. The brown sugar will turn sweet and caramelized, adding a great taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenders | 1 lb |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Bacon | 8 slices |
By carefully preparing your chicken wrapped with bacon and brown sugar, you’re on your way to a tasty meal. The mix of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet-savory flavors will make you want more.
The Perfect Bacon Wrapping Technique
Creating the ultimate bacon wrapped chicken tenders starts with the right wrapping technique. This method ensures the bacon cooks evenly and stays in place. It results in a dish that’s both crispy and juicy.
Selecting the Right Bacon Type
Choose regular sliced bacon for the best results. Its standard thickness and shape fit perfectly around the chicken. Thick-cut or specialty bacon may not stick as well or cook evenly.
Step-by-Step Wrapping Guide
- Wrap a single slice of bacon around each chicken tender, overlapping the edges slightly.
- If needed, use a toothpick to keep the bacon in place during baking.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet, leaving space for even cooking.
This technique ensures the bacon and chicken cook together. It creates a dish with perfect flavors and textures. You’ll get crispy, evenly cooked bacon wrapped chicken tenders every time.
Creating the Brown Sugar Glaze
To get the perfect mix of sweet and savory in your brown sugar glazed chicken tenders, focus on the homemade glaze. This glaze, made from simple ingredients, turns regular chicken into a dish you can’t resist.
Begin by mixing 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl. This mix of spices and sugar will give your maple glazed chicken a delicious flavor.
After preparing your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, spread the brown sugar glaze over them. Make sure each tender is well-coated. As the chicken bakes, the sugar will turn golden and sticky. This creates a flavorful crust that keeps the chicken juicy.
For more flavor, try adding a bit of ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the glaze. These can add a warm touch or a bit of spice, depending on what you like.
The secret to a great brown sugar glaze is finding the right balance. Adjust the sugar and spice amounts to your liking. Feel free to try different flavors to make your brown sugar glazed chicken tenders recipe the best.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Getting ready to make delicious baked chicken tenders is easy. Just follow these simple steps to make the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch each other. Bake for 20-25 minutes. This will make the chicken tender and the bacon crispy.
Visual Cues for Perfect Doneness
- The chicken tenders should be golden brown with crispy bacon.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- The bacon should be sizzling and crispy, adding a nice contrast to the chicken.
Keep an eye on your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders while they bake. Oven temperatures and times can differ. The best way to know when they’re done is by looking and using a meat thermometer.
“The secret to perfectly crispy bacon-wrapped chicken tenders lies in the balance of sweet and savory flavors, coupled with precise cooking techniques.”
Tips for Achieving Crispy Bacon Every Time
Wrapping chicken tenders in crispy bacon and brown sugar glaze is a must-try. Getting the bacon crispy is crucial. Luckily, there are easy ways to make your chicken wrapped with bacon and brown sugar crunchy every time.
Start by cooking the bacon partially before wrapping it around the chicken. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it starts to crisp, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps remove excess fat, making the bacon crispier in the oven.
If the bacon isn’t crispy enough after baking, broil it for a minute or two. But watch the chicken closely, as the high heat can burn the glaze. You can also try baking at 400°F (200°C) for the last few minutes to crisp the bacon.
Using a wire rack for baking is another great tip. It lets the bacon fat drip off, keeping the bacon crispy. Just remember to line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
With a bit of patience and these tips, you’ll get perfect crispy bacon every time. This delicious chicken dish will be a hit with your family.
The secret to crispy bacon is in the prep and cooking. Follow these tips to make a chicken wrapped with bacon and brown sugar that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your bacon brown sugar chicken tenders even better by adding tasty sides and sauces. This dish is amazing when you pair it with the right things. It makes for a meal that’s both delicious and enjoyable.
Complementary Side Dishes
- Crispy sweet potato fries: The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the sticky chicken tenders.
- Steamed broccoli: A fresh and crunchy vegetable side that provides a nutritious contrast to the savory and sweet chicken.
- Tangy coleslaw: The cool, creamy texture of coleslaw offers a refreshing balance to the sticky chicken tenders.
- Fluffy white rice: Serve the chicken tenders over a bed of fragrant, steamed white rice for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Sauce Recommendations
Take your bacon brown sugar chicken tenders to the next level with tasty dipping sauces. Here are some great options:
- Tangy Barbecue Sauce: The bold, smoky-sweet flavor of barbecue sauce complements the sticky chicken tenders perfectly.
- Honey Mustard Dip: The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
- Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy ranch dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken tenders.
Pairing the bacon brown sugar chicken tenders with these sides and sauces makes for a stunning meal. Try different combinations to find your favorite way to serve it.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage guidelines are crucial for keeping your chicken breast tenders fresh and tasty. After enjoying these bacon brown sugar-coated treats, you’ll want to save leftovers for later.
To store your chicken breast tenders, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and the bacon crispy. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for 10-15 minutes.
Don’t microwave leftover chicken breast tenders to avoid losing the bacon’s crispiness. Oven reheating is better for even heating and keeping the bacon crunchy.
For longer storage, freeze uncooked, bacon-wrapped chicken breast tenders. Wrap them in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat as before.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes |
By following these storage guidelines and reheating tips, you can enjoy your bacon brown sugar chicken breast tenders again and again. Enjoy your leftovers with confidence!
Recipe Variations and Modifications
The classic caramelized chicken tenders with bacon and brown sugar are a hit. But, you can make this recipe your own. Let’s look at some fun ways to change it up for your taste or dietary needs.
Spicy Version Options
Want a spicy twist? Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar mix. This gives the tenders a nice heat. It balances the sweet and savory perfectly.
Dietary Adaptations
Make it healthier by using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. This cuts down on fat and calories. You can also try less brown sugar or use honey or maple syrup.
Need to make it fit your diet? Vegans and vegetarians can use tofu or tempeh and vegan bacon. Gluten-free folks can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
This recipe is super flexible. You can make it fit your taste and dietary needs. So, everyone can enjoy the tasty mix of caramelized chicken, bacon, and brown sugar.
Conclusion
The Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe is a perfect mix of sweet and savory. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. Butcher BBQ, a two-time World BBQ Champion, created this recipe. It shows their skill in making delicious barbecue dishes.
This dish has everything: crispy bacon and a sweet brown sugar glaze. It’s great on its own or with sides. Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a hit with families. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a special event.
Make your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders even better with Butcher BBQ rubs and sauces. Try Honey Rub, Sweet Sauce, and more. Use different bacon flavors and add string cheese for a special touch. Follow these tips to make a bacon brown sugar chicken tenders dish everyone will love.