If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy, salty, smoky bacon with the rich caramelized sweetness of brown sugar—all wrapped around juicy, tender chicken—then these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are exactly what your cravings have been calling for.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game day gathering, or simply want a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of finger food that disappears from the platter before it even cools down!

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is perfect for:

• Busy home cooks looking for a reliable weeknight dinner

• Parents who want a kid-friendly protein that feels indulgent

• Party hosts searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer

• Bacon lovers (enough said!)

If you love the contrast of salty and sweet or crave that irresistible crisp bacon edge, this is for you.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders

Here’s why this dish is a go-to favorite in any kitchen:

• Only 7 main ingredients – simple pantry staples, big flavor

• No deep frying required – oven-baked to crispy perfection

• Versatile – great for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or appetizers

• Make-ahead friendly – prep in advance and bake when ready

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to bring this recipe to life:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)

• 8 slices of bacon

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or aluminum foil

• Cooking spray or brush for oil

• Mixing bowl

• Tongs

• Toothpicks (optional for securing bacon)

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Coating

In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Wrap the Chicken

Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed, especially at the ends.

Pro Tip: Start wrapping at one end and spiral the bacon around the tender so each piece gets maximum coverage.

4. Coat in Sugar Mixture

Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the sugar-spice blend, pressing gently to help it stick. Make sure each piece is generously coated.

5. Bake

Place the tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 74°C).

Optional Finish: For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes, then serve warm. These pair beautifully with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.

Tips for Success

• Use thin bacon: Thick-cut bacon takes longer to crisp and might not cook fully during the bake time.

• Trim chicken tenders: Remove tendon bits for a better texture.

• Flip halfway through: For even cooking and crispiness, flip tenders halfway through baking.

• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy kick.

Variations and Swaps

Want to customize your chicken tenders? Try these tasty twists:

• Maple Glazed: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the sugar mixture.

• Spicy-Sweet: Mix brown sugar with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne.

• Herbaceous: Add dried thyme or rosemary to the seasoning for a more aromatic profile.

• BBQ Flavor: Swap paprika for BBQ seasoning for a smoky Southern spin.

• Turkey Bacon: Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version (note: it won’t get as crispy).

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

These chicken tenders store well and reheat beautifully, making them a smart choice for meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

• To Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 360°F for 5–6 minutes until crispy again.

Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the bacon and takes away the crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken tenders are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As an appetizer: Stick with toothpicks and serve on a platter

• In a meal: Pair with mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, or a crisp coleslaw

• For lunch: Serve in a wrap or over a salad with your favorite dressing

• With drinks: These pair beautifully with cold beer, sweet iced tea, or a smoky bourbon cocktail

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

• Calories: 300 per serving

• Protein: 22g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 11g

• Sugar: 9g

Please note that nutrition values may vary depending on brand and cut of bacon used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders for even cooking.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar?
You can use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or a sugar-free brown sugar substitute like Swerve.

Can I grill these instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked, turning often.

What dipping sauces go well with this?
Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, chipotle aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are excellent choices.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that bring the best of sweet, savory, and smoky to your table. They’re easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for parties—what more could you ask for?

Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite go-to chicken dish!

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