🥓 Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are juicy, savory, sweet, and caramelized around the edges. Tender chicken is wrapped in smoky bacon, coated with a buttery brown-sugar seasoning, and baked until the bacon is crisp and beautifully glazed.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 8–10 slices bacon, cut in half
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp honey, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry. Brush lightly with melted butter, then coat each tender generously with the brown-sugar seasoning.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each chicken tender with a half slice of bacon, tucking the ends underneath. Place them seam-side down on the prepared rack.
- Add the glaze: Sprinkle any remaining brown-sugar mixture over the bacon. For extra shine and sweetness, lightly brush with honey.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. The bacon should be browned and caramelized, and the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Broil for extra crispiness: If desired, place the tenders under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely so the brown sugar doesn’t burn.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. The caramelized coating will firm up slightly as it cools.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve these sweet-and-savory chicken tenders with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a crisp salad. They also make a great party appetizer with ranch or honey mustard for dipping.
Tip: Using a wire rack keeps the chicken elevated so the bacon cooks more evenly and becomes crispier.