Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sipped my morning coffee, the irresistible aroma of Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders wafted through my kitchen, instantly brightening my day. The sweet and smoky flavor that envelopes these tenders creates a delightful harmony with the savory crunch of crispy beef bacon, making this dish an ultimate comfort food. Not only is it a quick dinner option that fits a busy weeknight, but it’s also versatile enough for a cozy family gathering. Picture plates filled with tender, juicy chicken drizzled in a sticky glaze, satisfying everyone’s cravings. I guarantee this recipe will become a go-to in your home! Ready to transform your dinner routine with this scrumptious dish? Let’s dive into the delicious details! Why Are These Chicken Tenders Irresistible? Crispy Perfection: The juicy chicken tenders wrapped in beef bacon create a tantalizing contrast – expect a satisfying crunch with every bite! Sweet and Smoky: A delicious blend of brown sugar and smoked paprika works together to create a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Quick Dinner Idea: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe provides a hassle-free way to bring comfort food to your table without sacrificing quality or taste – perfect for busy weeknights! Versatile Options: Customize your tenders by substituting chicken with turkey or even pork. For an extra kick, add jalapeños or top with cheese during the last minutes of cooking. Want a side dish to elevate your meal? Pair these with a fresh salad or our delicious Crockpot Chicken Tacos for a complete dining experience! Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Ingredients • For the Chicken 1 lb chicken tenders – Main protein keeps the dish tender and juicy; substitute with chicken breasts cut into strips for even cooking. • For the Bacon 8 slices beef bacon – Adds a smoky flavor and enhances richness; feel free to use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative. • For the Glaze 1/2 cup brown sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze; can replace with honey or maple syrup for different flavors. 1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds depth and a hint of smokiness; replace with regular paprika if unavailable. 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Enhances savory profile; fresh garlic can be used for a stronger flavor (1 clove = 1/8 tsp powder). 1/2 tsp black pepper – Provides seasoning; fresh ground is preferred for better flavor. 1/4 tsp salt – Boosts all flavors; adjust according to taste. • Optional Garnish Chopped parsley – Adds freshness and color to the presentation; it’s a delightful touch that elevates your dish’s appearance. Dive into the joy of making these bacon brown sugar chicken tenders that’ll keep your family coming back for more! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Step 1: Prepare Chicken Begin by patting the 1 pound of chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely. Lightly season both sides with garlic powder and black pepper, creating a flavorful base. This will help the chicken tenders absorb all the delicious flavors of the bacon and brown sugar later on. Step 2: Cook Bacon In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 8 slices of beef bacon, cooking until they’re crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove the bacon from the skillet, allowing the grease to remain in the pan, as it will add richness to the bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. Step 3: Brown Chicken In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken tenders, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Make sure the tenders are cooked through; they should be firm to the touch and have an internal temperature of 165°F. This step is crucial for ensuring the tenders are juicy yet fully cooked. Step 4: Add Glaze Ingredients Sprinkle a generous 1/2 cup of brown sugar over the chicken tenders in the skillet, followed by a splash of soy sauce. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly, allowing the sugar to meld with the juices in the pan, creating a delectable sticky glaze. Cook for another minute to let the flavors absorb, transforming your dish into a sweet and savory delight. Step 5: Combine Crumble the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the chicken and brown sugar mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that each tender is enveloped in the luscious glaze and bacon bits. Allow this combination to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to integrate the flavors, leaving you with rich and enticing bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. Step 6: Serve Carefully transfer the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm as a delightful and hearty centerpiece for your meal. Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes that your family will love! What to Serve with Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Complement your dinner table with delightful side dishes and treats that enhance the sweet and smoky essence of your chicken tenders. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture offers a comforting contrast to the crispy tenders, absorbing all the savory drippings beautifully. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies brings a fresh and vibrant touch, balancing the richness of the tenders while adding crunch. Coleslaw: This tangy, crunchy side adds a refreshing element, cutting through the sweetness of the brown sugar glaze with its crisp cabbage and zesty dressing. Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens topped with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers provide a light, refreshing option, perfect for balancing the hearty flavors of the dish. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness echoes the brown sugar in the tenders, while the tender-crisp bite offers a delightful textural contrast. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy, cheesy biscuits are perfect for soaking up the sticky glaze, delivering an indulgent-touch that everyone will love. Fruit Salad: A medley of refreshing fruits, like berries and citrus, adds a bright note that complements the savory-sweet flavor profile of the chicken. Sweet Tea or Lemonade: For drinks, serve these tenders with sweet tea or zesty lemonade, offering a refreshing contrast that elevates the entire meal experience. Expert Tips for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Perfectly Wrapped: Ensure the chicken is fully wrapped in bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary; this prevents the bacon from unraveling during cooking. Crispy Finish: For an extra crispy texture, broil the chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch them closely to avoid burning. Season Wisely: Don’t skip the seasoning step; it helps elevate the flavors of the bacon brown sugar chicken tenders. A light touch of garlic powder and black pepper makes a world of difference. Storage Secrets: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best taste, reheat in a skillet to retain crispiness. Flavor Variations: Experiment with flavors by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or using different types of bacon; turkey bacon provides a leaner option while still delivering that smoky taste. How to Store and Freeze Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Fridge: Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures they remain moist and flavorful while preventing any contamination. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This helps maintain the quality and prevents freezer burn. Reheating: To reheat, place chicken tenders in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, approximately 5-7 minutes. For best results, add a splash of water and cover to create steam, ensuring the bacon stays crispy on the outside. Thawing: When ready to enjoy your bacon brown sugar chicken tenders again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This allows for even warming and preserves the delicious flavors. Make Ahead Options These Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a perfect choice for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken tenders and wrap them in bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Just refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can create the brown sugar glaze and store it separately, which will also keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply brown the chicken in a skillet, combine with the glaze and bacon and cook for a few minutes until heated through. You’ll enjoy the same delicious flavor with minimal effort! Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Variations Feel free to get creative and make these chicken tenders your own—let your taste buds guide the journey! Turkey Alternative: Substitute chicken tenders with turkey tenderloins for a leaner, equally delicious option. The flavors from the bacon and glaze will still shine through beautifully. Pork Twist: Try using pork tenderloin instead of chicken for a different twist on the classic; the sweet and savory combo works equally well! Spicy Kick: Add fresh jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the glaze for an extra kick. This spicy element adds an exciting contrast to the sweetness in the dish. Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of creaminess, making your tenders even more indulgent. Gluten-Free Swap: For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. This will ensure the flavor remains intact while accommodating dietary needs. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze. These herbs will impart wonderful, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish. Sweetener Switch: Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile; both options provide a unique flavor twist to this favorite recipe. For even more delicious recipes, check out our Hot Honey Chicken or try the cozy Chicken and Dumplings for a comforting meal that everyone will love! Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken tenders? Absolutely! When selecting chicken tenders, look for those that are plump and have a consistent pink hue. Avoid tenders that have dark spots or a slimy texture, as these can indicate spoilage. Fresh tenders will have a mild odor, not overpowering. How should I store leftovers? I often recommend storing any leftover bacon brown sugar chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to 3 days. To keep them moist, consider placing a damp paper towel over them before sealing the container to retain some of that delicious moisture. Can I freeze bacon brown sugar chicken tenders? Yes! To freeze, first cool the chicken tenders completely. Then, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed. What should I do if the bacon unravels while cooking? Very! If you find that the bacon is unraveling during cooking, you can secure the ends with toothpicks before cooking. Another great tip is to ensure the chicken is fully wrapped and tight; consider using a thorough spiral wrap technique to maintain that crispy bacon-to-chicken ratio. Is this recipe suitable for those with allergies? Yes! This recipe features common ingredients, but always check for specific allergies, especially with bacon or soy sauce. If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, consider using turkey bacon as a leaner option or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free meal. What is the best way to reheat the chicken tenders? Reheating properly is essential to retaining flavor and texture. For the best results, place the chicken tenders in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or chicken broth. Cover the skillet to create steam, reheating for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method keeps the bacon crispy while ensuring the chicken remains juicy. Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: Sweet Crunchy Delight Indulge in Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, where juicy chicken meets sweet and smoky flavors, creating a delightful comfort food experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 tendersCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 lb chicken tenders Substitute with chicken breasts cut into strips for even cooking.For the Bacon8 slices beef bacon Feel free to use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative.For the Glaze1/2 cup brown sugar Can replace with honey or maple syrup for different flavors.1 tsp smoked paprika Replace with regular paprika if unavailable.1/2 tsp garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used for a stronger flavor.1/2 tsp black pepper Fresh ground is preferred for better flavor.1/4 tsp salt Adjust according to taste.Optional Garnish1 tbsp chopped parsley Adds freshness and color to the presentation. Equipment skillettongsMeat Thermometer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and seasoning with garlic powder and black pepper.In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil and cook the beef bacon until crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove bacon and keep the grease.In the same skillet, cook the seasoned chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.Sprinkle brown sugar over the chicken and add a splash of soy sauce, stirring to coat. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.Crumble the crispy bacon back into the skillet and toss everything together, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with parsley if desired. Serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1tenderCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, ensure chicken is fully wrapped in bacon. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for crispiness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
