Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders — perfect for a protein-packed breakfast or weekend brunch meal prep. Makes 8–10 tenders in 45 minutes with just 7 simple ingredients.
Ingredients
To make this delicious food recipe For making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders You’ll require:
- 1 Lb (450g) Chicken tenders Fresh is the best but frozen chicken tenders are also a good option!
- 8–10 bacon slices You can also make turkey bacon as an alternative that is lighter.
- 1 Cup (100g) Brown sugar either dark or light you can choose! Dark brown sugar can give more flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smokey and smoked paprika to get that wonderful smokey taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder For garlic lovers have a reason to rejoice!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper is just enough for warmth.
- Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for a little kick!
Note on Substitutions
If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, think about cooking chicken breasts without skin and less brown sugar. Be aware that this may alter the taste and texture slightly.
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Take these easy steps make your very own tasty Crispy Bacon Tenders with Brown Sugar:
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Pre-heat your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190degC). Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with foil or parchment paper to make it easy to clean.
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Create The Flavor Mix in a bowl mix smoke paprika, brown sugar black pepper, garlic powder and, if you’re looking for some spice, add cayenne pepper. This is where magic takes place!
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Wrap It up: Take a chicken tender and wrap it around bacon slices. The bacon won’t just provide flavor, but it will keep the chicken juicy.
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Cover the chicken with a coating: Roll the bacon-wrapped chicken tender into the mixture of brown sugar and make sure that it is completely coated. It will result in a wonderful glaze after cooking!
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Lay out on the Baking Sheet Put the tenders coated with food coloring on the baking sheet and leave some space between them so that the tenders cook equally.
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Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. The tenders should be turned during cooking to get an even crispness in both directions.
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Cool and serve: Once cooked, allow the tenders to cool before serving. It is important to allow the sugar and bacon time to set!
Notes
- Refrigerator Storage: Let the bacon-wrapped tenders cool completely at room temperature for 15 minutes, then transfer them to an airtight glass container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Store on the middle shelf of the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The paper towel prevents the caramelized coating from turning soggy during storage.
- Freezer Storage: Flash-freeze cooled tenders in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 2 hours until solid. Transfer the frozen pieces to a heavy-duty freezer bag, pressing out all air before sealing. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Individually frozen tenders let you pull exactly the number you need without thawing the whole batch.
- Oven Reheat: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place refrigerated tenders on a wire rack set over a sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes until the bacon re-crisps and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For frozen tenders, bake at 375°F for 18 minutes, flipping once halfway. The wire rack ensures hot air circulates underneath for even crispness.
- Microwave Reheat: Place 2–3 tenders on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel to catch drippings. Heat on 70% power for 90 seconds, then check the internal temperature. Add 30-second intervals if needed. The reduced power setting warms the chicken gently without turning the bacon rubbery or the sugar coating chewy.
- Air Fryer Reheat: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the basket—avoid stacking. Reheat refrigerated tenders for 5 minutes or frozen tenders for 8 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through. The rapid circulating heat re-crisps the bacon exterior to near-fresh quality without drying out the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 385 calories
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg