These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner, these tenders are incredibly easy to prepare. With just five simple ingredients, they come together in about 30 minutes. The crispy bacon adds a smoky touch while the brown sugar caramelizes to create an irresistible coating. Get ready to impress your guests with this tasty appetizer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe only takes 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and smoky combination of brown sugar and bacon elevates ordinary chicken to something special.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these tenders as an appetizer, over salad, or even on top of waffles for a unique twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game day or a family gathering, these tenders are sure to be a hit with everyone.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just five ingredients, you can whip up this dish without a trip to the grocery store.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, it’s helpful to gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet: Essential for ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Mixing bowl: Needed for combining the brown sugar mixture that coats the chicken strips.
- Sharp knife: Important for easily slicing the chicken breasts into tenders.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for preparing your ingredients.
Ingredients
These are the key ingredients you’ll need for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
For the Chicken Tenders
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 strips bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Slice each chicken breast into 4 long, thin strips (for a total of 8 tenders).
Step 3: Season & Coat
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture until they are well coated.
Step 4: Wrap in Bacon
Wrap each chicken tender with one strip of bacon. Place them in a baking dish or on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Top with Sugar
Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture over the wrapped tenders for added sweetness.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked. For extra crispiness, you can broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end—just be sure to watch them closely!
Step 7: Serve Hot
These tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven! Serve them as an appetizer or over salad, rice, or even waffles for something fun and different!
How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are versatile and can complement various meals or be served as a stand-alone appetizer. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
With Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the savory bacon.
- Buffalo Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, this sauce adds heat to your tenders.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch enhances the flavors while providing a cooling contrast.
Over Salads
- Mixed Greens Salad: Slice the chicken tenders and serve on a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing.
- Caesar Salad: Add crispy tenders to a classic Caesar for an extra layer of flavor.
As Part of a Platter
- Charcuterie Board: Include these tenders on a platter with cheeses, olives, and nuts for an impressive appetizer spread.
- Game Day Snack Board: Combine them with chips, veggies, and various dips for a fun gathering.
With Starches
- Over Rice: Serve the chicken tenders on top of rice for a hearty meal.
- Waffles: For a sweet twist, place the tenders over waffles and drizzle with syrup.
How to Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
To achieve the best results with your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, consider these helpful tips:
- Bold Flavor Prep: Marinate the chicken strips in advance for enhanced flavor absorption before wrapping them in bacon.
- Bold Crispiness Tip: Use thin-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up nicely during baking; thick bacon may not cook through properly.
- Bold Cooking Check: Always check that the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Bold Sugar Control: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference—less sugar will still give great flavor!
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Pairing sides with your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent side dish options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting option alongside your tenders.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted till tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory flavors of the chicken and adds a pop of freshness.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides texture and balances out the sweetness of the tenders.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This classic dish offers indulgence; its creamy texture pairs well with crispy chicken.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans enhance the savory notes of the bacon-wrapped chicken.
These serving suggestions and sides will help you create an unforgettable meal featuring Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken strips adequately can result in bland tenders. Make sure to coat them well in the brown sugar mixture for full flavor.
- Using cold bacon: Wrapping chicken with cold bacon can lead to uneven cooking. Always use room temperature bacon for even crispiness.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: Placing too many tenders close together can cause steaming instead of crisping. Space them out on the baking sheet for better results.
- Not checking doneness: Relying solely on time can lead to undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Ignoring broiling tips: Broiling at the end enhances crispiness but should be monitored closely. Don’t walk away, as the bacon can burn quickly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders in an airtight container.
- They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure they are well sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This method may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders more spicy?
You can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture for an extra kick!
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a lighter alternative, though it may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.
What sides pair well with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
These tenders go great with coleslaw, a fresh salad, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Can I prepare these tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can coat the chicken strips and wrap them in bacon a few hours before baking. Just refrigerate until ready to cook.
Are these chicken tenders suitable for meal prep?
Yes! These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders make an excellent meal prep option since they store well and reheat nicely throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or served over salad or rice, they offer endless customization options. Try adding your favorite spices or dipping sauces to make this recipe your own!
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