The aroma of crispy bacon sizzling in a pan is enough to make anyone feel like they’ve arrived in flavor paradise. Now, imagine that intoxicating scent paired with the sweet, caramel-like essence of brown sugar, enveloping tender chicken tenders in a warm embrace. This delightful combination gives rise to the ultimate comfort food: Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or planning an impressive gathering with friends, these tenders bring joy and laughter to every occasion.
Picture this: it’s Friday night, and you want something easy yet delicious for dinner. You open your fridge, and there they are – those chicken tenders just waiting for their moment to shine! The anticipation builds as you gather the ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure. With each bite of these flavorful tenders, you’ll find yourself transported back to happy memories, laughing around the dinner table while savoring their irresistible taste.
Why You'll Love This Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- This incredible Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra flavor; it adds a satisfying crunch to your tenders.
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Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well; it caramelizes beautifully and adds a rich sweetness.
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Garlic Powder: A little sprinkle goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves offer a lovely herbal note; dried thyme works too if that’s all you have on hand.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness without overpowering the dish.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle helps everything blend together seamlessly and keeps the chicken tender.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. You want them flavorful right from the start!
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, thyme leaves, soy sauce, and olive oil. Stir until it forms a thick paste that looks almost good enough to eat by itself – trust me; I’ve been there!
Step 4: Wrap It Up
Slice your bacon strips in half (no need for precision here), then wrap each piece around the seasoned chicken tenders. Secure them with toothpicks if needed – we don’t want any runaway bacon!
Step 5: Coat with Glaze
Place your wrapped chicken tenders into the prepared baking dish. Generously drizzle that glorious glaze over them until every last inch is covered – it’s where all the magic happens.
Step 6: Bake Away
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will fill your home like an inviting hug from Grandma!
Once done baking, transfer to plates and drizzle with remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Serve them hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces or roasted veggies.
Now go ahead and enjoy these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders! Each bite promises sweet satisfaction mixed with savory goodness that’ll have everyone begging for seconds!
You Must Know About Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- This showstopping Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting Cooking Process
To achieve succulent Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, begin by preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken. Sear the chicken tenders in a skillet for a crispy exterior, then finish baking them until they reach that glorious golden brown perfection.
Flavor Your Way
Don’t hesitate to customize your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders! Swap out bacon for turkey bacon, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar, or add spices like paprika or garlic powder for an extra flavor kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, pop them back in the oven at 350°F to maintain their crispy texture instead of microwaving.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Cooking these tenders takes me back to a family gathering where my cousin couldn’t stop raving about them—I think I might have accidentally created a new family tradition!
FAQs
What is Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delicious twist on traditional chicken tenders. They are marinated in a sweet and savory mixture of brown sugar and crispy bacon, creating a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. The blend of salty bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken. This dish can be baked or fried, making it versatile for any occasion. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these tenders are sure to impress everyone at the table.
How do you make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
To prepare Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, start by marinating chicken strips in a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, and diced bacon. Allow the chicken to absorb the flavors for at least 30 minutes. Next, coat the marinated chicken in breadcrumbs before baking or frying until golden brown and crispy. This process ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and delightful textures. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable meal.
Can I make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders ahead of time! Marinate the chicken and coat it in breadcrumbs, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you want to save even more time, consider freezing them after breading. Simply thaw when ready to cook and follow your preferred cooking method. Preparing them in advance allows for convenient meal planning while still delivering delicious flavors when it’s time to eat.
What should I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving them alongside crispy french fries or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. You can also add some coleslaw or roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition on your plate. For dipping sauces, ranch dressing or honey mustard enhances the flavors of these tasty tenders perfectly. Choose sides that complement the sweet and savory profile of this scrumptious dish.
Conclusion
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a unique combination of flavors that elevate a classic dish into something extraordinary. The blend of sweet brown sugar and savory bacon creates an irresistible taste experience that both kids and adults will love. Whether served at family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, these chicken tenders are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try making Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders today; you’ll be delighted by how quickly they disappear from your table!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a mouthwatering fusion of sweet and savory, creating the ultimate comfort food. These tender chicken strips are wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a rich brown sugar sauce, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, thyme, soy sauce, and olive oil until combined.
- Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the wrapped chicken in the baking dish and drizzle the glaze over each piece.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken tender (75g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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