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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, effortlessly whisking you away to a weeknight dinner paradise. Picture tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, caramelized with a luscious brown sugar glaze. This recipe combines the goodness of simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish your whole family will adore. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these chicken tenders offer both flavor and simplicity, making them an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out for many reasons! Not only is it incredibly quick to prepare, but the ingredients are easily found in most pantries. The sweetness of the brown sugar harmonizes beautifully with the umami of the bacon and soy sauce, resulting in a flavor explosion that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. It’s also an economical choice, pairing budget-friendly chicken with the indulgence of bacon, bringing comfort food to your table without breaking the bank.
“I made these for a Sunday family dinner, and they disappeared within minutes! The combination of sweet and salty is just perfection.” – Emily R.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is refreshingly simple! You’ll be on the way to a delicious dish in just about 30 minutes. First, you’ll wrap each chicken tender in bacon, adding a toothpick if needed to keep them secure. Then, a delightful brown sugar glaze is brushed over the wrapped tenders before they’re baked to crispy perfection. With minimal prep and clear steps, you can love this dish from start to finish.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delicious chicken tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
If you’re looking to lower the sodium content, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce, and for a twist, try using turkey bacon instead of traditional pork bacon.
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Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until well blended.
- Carefully wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Use a toothpick if necessary to keep the bacon in place.
- Arrange the wrapped tenders in a baking dish. Brush the brown sugar mixture generously over each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy.
- Remove from the oven, serve hot, and savor the delightful sweet-and-savory goodness!
Tips for Serving
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders shine on their own but shine even brighter when paired with complementary sides. Consider serving them with fluffy mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables to balance the rich flavors. For a casual option, serve with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli. If you’re feeling festive, a side of coleslaw can also provide a refreshing crunch against the sweet tenders.
Keeping Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Fresh Longer
Storing leftovers is straightforward! Allow your tender chicken to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. These chicken tenders can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they freeze well — just make sure to use freezer-friendly containers or bags. Always be cautious with any leftovers; if they’ve been left at room temperature for more than two hours, it’s best to discard them for safety.
Pro Chef Tips
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken tenders for the last two minutes of cooking. This helps render the bacon further, giving it an irresistible crunch.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon. Just briefly warm it and wrap it around the chicken but reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Feel free to double the brown sugar glaze if you love a thicker coating!
Creative Twists
Looking to change things up? You can experiment with different flavors! Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone or hot sauce to the glaze for an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, switch out the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a unique twist. You can also explore using turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian-friendly version.
Your Questions Answered
Q1: How long does it take to make these chicken tenders?
A1: The total time from prep to oven-ready is around 30 minutes, with about 20-25 minutes of baking.
Q2: Can I prep these chicken tenders in advance?
A2: Absolutely! You can wrap the chicken tenders ahead of time, brush them with the glaze, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Q3: What veggies go well with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
A3: Roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet corn, or even a simple garden salad complement these tenders beautifully.
With these versatile and delectable Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds—if not thirds! They’re not just easy to prepare; they also give off the kind of warm, cozy vibes that every home-cooked meal should have. Enjoy!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and caramelized with a luscious brown sugar glaze, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until well blended.
- Carefully wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, using a toothpick to secure if necessary.
- Arrange the wrapped tenders in a baking dish and brush them generously with the brown sugar mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy.
- Remove from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
For a twist, consider using turkey bacon or low-sodium soy sauce. For extra crispiness, broil the chicken tenders for the last two minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bacon, chicken tenders, brown sugar, easy dinner, weeknight meal
