Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful dish sure to impress your family and friends. These tender chicken strips are enveloped in a sweet and savory glaze that combines the richness of brown sugar with the smoky essence of bacon. The flavors meld together, creating an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Not only does this recipe deliver an amazing flavor experience, but it’s also simple to make, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
The first bite of these chicken tenders transports you to flavor heaven. The crispy bacon and sticky brown sugar create a harmonious blend that results in a tender and juicy chicken piece everyone will rave about. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, these chicken tenders are a must-try! Prepare to elevate your culinary skills and impress your diners with this incredible dish. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making these delightful chicken tenders, including preparation, ingredients, instructions, and how to serve them perfectly.
Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? Let’s dive into why Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect dish for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a host of reasons to fall in love with them. Here are some highlights that make this recipe stand out:
1. Quick and Easy: This recipe doesn’t require extensive culinary skills, making it suitable for cooks of all levels.

2. Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game-day snack, these chicken tenders fit the occasion perfectly.
3. Kid-Friendly: With their sweet flavor profile and crispy texture, kids will surely love these chicken tenders.
4. Versatile Dish: You can serve these tenders on their own, as part of a salad, or in a sandwich, making them flexible for any meal plan.
5. Amazing Flavor Combination: The blend of bacon and brown sugar creates a delightful contrast, balancing savory and sweet in each bite.
6. Fun and Appealing: The crispy exterior combined with juicy chicken makes these tenders appealing to everyone.
These factors make Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders a hit at any gathering. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, ensuring your guests walk away impressed and satisfied!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating these tantalizing chicken tenders is straightforward, especially when you understand how to manage your time effectively. Here’s the breakdown of the total preparation and cooking time:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes.
– Cooking Time: 25 minutes.
– Total Time: 40 minutes.
With a total time frame of around 40 minutes, you can often have these delicious chicken tenders ready to serve within a short period. This allows you to enjoy cooking without spending the entire evening in the kitchen!

Ingredients

– 1 pound chicken tenders
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 8 slices of bacon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is a simple process if you follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps them achieve a crispy exterior.
3. Mix the Sugar and Spices: In a bowl, combine brown sugar with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This mixture provides the sweet and savory glaze for the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and coat it thoroughly in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring even coverage.
5. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each coated chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary to keep the bacon intact during cooking.
6. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, carefully place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the skillet.
7. Sear the Chicken: Sear the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
8. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Once seared, transfer the chicken tenders to the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
These steps will guide you effortlessly in creating an incredible dish that is sure to impress anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it!

How to Serve

To elevate your serving experience, consider the following:
1. Presentation: Arrange the chicken tenders on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
2. Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as a spicy ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce to complement the flavors.
3. Side Dishes: Pair your chicken tenders with sides such as coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
4. Perfect Portions: Serve the tenders in generous portions, allowing guests to indulge but also encouraging them to share.
5. Beverage Pairing: Complement your meal with refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or a light beer for an enjoyable dining experience.
By focusing on how you present and serve these delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you create a dining atmosphere that your guests will remember long after they’ve left the table!

Additional Tips

– Use High-Quality Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and flavor. The quality of the bacon directly affects the dish’s overall taste.
– Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give your chicken tenders a spicy kick.
– Marinate the Chicken: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in the brown sugar mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
– Serve Immediately: These tenders are best served hot straight from the oven to enjoy their crispy texture.

Recipe Variation

Make this dish your own with these fun variations:
1. BBQ Chicken Tenders: Brush the chicken tenders with your favorite BBQ sauce before coating them with brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
2. Herb-Infused Option: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the brown sugar mixture for a fresh twist.
3. Air Fryer Version: For a healthier option, prepare these chicken tenders in an air fryer instead of baking them. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven to restore their crispiness.
– Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.

Special Equipment

To prepare Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders effectively, you will need a few essential kitchen tools:
– Baking Sheet: For baking the chicken tenders.
– Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
– Skillet: A large skillet for searing the chicken tenders.
– Tongs: For safely handling the bacon-wrapped chicken during cooking.
– Toothpicks: To secure bacon around the chicken tenders if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but you will need to slice them into strips.
What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?
Popular options include ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.
How can I achieve extra crispiness?
Ensure the chicken is patted dry and consider using a wire rack in the oven for even crisping.
Are these chicken tenders suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They’re great for meal prep and can be refrigerated for multiple meals.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is a crowd-pleaser, infused with flavors that balance sweetness and savory richness. Whether you serve them at dinner, during casual gatherings, or as party appetizers, they will undoubtedly be a hit. The recipe is not just simple but versatile, allowing for variations and modifications to suit your taste. Tantalizing and easy to prepare, these chicken tenders are a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.

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