The first time I made these, it was one of those lazy Sunday afternoons when the sky was gray and the house smelled like something good was always in the oven. I had some chicken tenders in the fridge, a few strips of bacon left from breakfast, and a serious craving for something sweet, salty, and just a little indulgent.
By the time they came out of the oven, the bacon was crispy, the sugar had caramelized into a sticky glaze, and the chicken was perfectly juicy. I set the tray on the table and watched them disappear within minutes. There were no leftovers that day—just smiles and sticky fingers.
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the kind of dish that feels a little special but comes together with hardly any effort. Whether you’re making them for game day, a family dinner, or just because you’re in the mood for something irresistible, they always hit the spot.
Short Description
Tender chicken strips wrapped in smoky bacon, rolled in brown sugar, and baked until caramelized and crisp. A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.
Key Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 10–12 slices of bacon
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (optional, but helps with crispiness)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or toothpicks
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep your oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. If using a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet.
Step 2: Season the chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Wrap with bacon
Wrap each piece of chicken with one slice of bacon. If needed, secure the ends with a toothpick.
Step 4: Coat with brown sugar
In a bowl, mix the brown sugar with a pinch of cayenne if using. Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the sugar mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Place the tenders on the wire rack or directly on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. The glaze will thicken as it cools slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor
- Sweet, savory, and salty in every bite
- Kid-friendly and party-perfect
- Great for meal prep or appetizers
- No frying required
Tips & Tricks
- Use thin-cut bacon for better crisping
- Add a pinch of chili powder for smoky heat
- Don’t skip the wire rack—it helps the bacon cook evenly
- Watch closely in the last few minutes to prevent burning
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted veggies, coleslaw, or mac and cheese
- Slice over a salad for a sweet and smoky twist
- Add to wraps or sandwiches with a drizzle of BBQ sauce
- Perfect as a party platter or potluck hit
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes to keep them crispy
- Microwave: Use short bursts (30 seconds) and expect softer bacon
- Freeze: Wrap individually and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, just cut the breast into strips about 1 inch wide.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I get crispier bacon?
Use a wire rack and thin bacon. You can also broil the last 1–2 minutes, but watch carefully.
Is there a sugar substitute option?
Try using a brown sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar
Final Thoughts
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are one of those recipes that feels like it should be harder than it is. They’re simple, fuss-free, and a total crowd-pleaser. Every bite has that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory, and they disappear faster than you’d think.
If you’ve got 30 minutes and a few pantry staples, you’ve got yourself a new favorite weeknight dinner—or party appetizer you’ll make on repeat.