Sweet and Savory Bacon Chicken

This bacon-wrapped chicken tender recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an irresistible sweet and savory dinner option that's perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. The combination of crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar creates a mouthwatering glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made these tenders for a Sunday football gathering and they disappeared within minutes. Now they've become my secret weapon whenever I need a guaranteed crowd pleaser that doesn't keep me stuck in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: 1 pound provides the perfect protein base. Choose fresh not frozen for best texture
• Bacon: 10 to 12 slices thin cut works best as it wraps more easily and crisps up perfectly
• Light brown sugar: Creates that irresistible caramelization. The molasses content adds depth
• Garlic powder: Provides savory notes that balance the sweetness without overwhelming
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky quality and beautiful color to the finished dish
• Black pepper: Brings necessary heat that cuts through the richness
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your baking surface by lining a sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and spray generously with nonstick spray. This setup allows air to circulate around the tenders resulting in evenly crispy bacon on all sides.

Create Your Flavor Mixture:

Combine brown sugar garlic powder paprika and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This sweet and savory coating will caramelize beautifully during baking.

Wrap The Chicken:

Take each chicken tender and wrap a slice of bacon around it starting at one end and spiraling to cover most of the tender. Secure with a toothpick if needed though the bacon usually sticks to itself. The bacon should be snug but not so tight that it squeezes the chicken.

Apply The Sugar Coating:

Roll each bacon wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture pressing gently to ensure maximum adherence. Make sure to coat all sides. The sugar will melt and create a glorious glaze as it bakes.

Position For Baking:

Arrange the wrapped tenders on your prepared rack with the bacon seam side down to prevent unraveling during cooking. Leave a small space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation and even crisping.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bacon becomes crispy and the chicken is completely cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F and the sugar coating will have transformed into a beautiful caramelized glaze.

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The brown sugar is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I once tried making these with maple syrup instead and while delicious they didn't develop that perfect crackling exterior that makes these tenders so addictive. My husband now requests these tenders for his birthday dinner every year which says everything about how special they are.

Make Ahead Options

These tenders can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wrap the chicken in bacon roll in the sugar mixture and store covered in the refrigerator on a plate. When ready to cook transfer to your prepared baking rack and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they'll be starting cold.

Easy Substitutions

If you prefer a different flavor profile try adding a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for a spicy sweet variation. Turkey bacon works well for a lighter option though it won't render as much fat. For a deeper molasses flavor substitute dark brown sugar for light or add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon brown sugar chicken tenders pair beautifully with lighter sides to balance their richness. Try serving alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For a more substantial meal add roasted potatoes or a simple rice pilaf. They also make excellent appetizers when cut into bite sized pieces before wrapping with bacon.

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Perfect for gatherings or an easy weeknight treat, these tenders will quickly become a family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of bacon works best for this dish?

Thin-cut bacon is ideal as it crisps up evenly and wraps around the chicken tenders without overpowering the dish.

→ How do I ensure the bacon is crispy?

Using a wire rack while baking allows air to circulate around the bacon, ensuring it cooks evenly and becomes crispy on all sides.

→ Can I use other seasonings for the brown sugar coating?

Yes! You can customize the seasoning to include cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the tenders and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking, but they are best baked fresh for optimal crispiness.