I’m always looking for easy and tasty dinner ideas for my family. That’s why I’m excited to share this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe. It’s a mix of crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar that everyone will love.
My grandmother used to make this recipe when I was a kid. The smell of the chicken baking in the oven was amazing. The bacon and brown sugar together are incredible. Now, I’m happy to share this recipe with you, so you can enjoy it too.
This Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe is perfect for any day. It’s quick, easy, and delicious. With just a few ingredients, you can make a tasty meal fast. Let’s make these chicken tenders the highlight of your next dinner.
Why These Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
These bacon-wrapped brown sugar chicken tenders are a hit. They mix sweet and savory flavors. This makes them great for birthdays or any family dinner.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The taste comes from crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar. The bacon gets smoky while baking. The brown sugar turns into a caramel coating that’s perfect with the chicken.
Quick and Easy Preparation
These chicken tenders are simple to make. You need just a few ingredients and little prep time. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty, easy meal.
Kid-Friendly Dinner Option
Kids love the sweet and savory taste of these tenders. They’re easy to eat and taste great. Even the pickiest eaters will want more.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Bacon Wrapped Tenders
To make the best bacon brown sugar chicken tenders, start with fresh ingredients. You need good chicken, tasty bacon, and sweet brown sugar. Each part is key for great taste and texture.
First, get boneless, skinless chicken tenders. They cook fast and stay juicy. Then, pick thick-cut bacon that fits the chicken well.
For the sweet and savory taste, use brown sugar. It makes a yummy glaze on the chicken. You can also add spices like garlic or paprika for extra flavor.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make amazing bacon brown sugar chicken tenders. Choose the freshest and best ingredients for the best taste.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
Cooking tasty black people recipes or easy chicken dinner ideas needs the right tools. For my Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, I have a few must-haves. They make cooking smooth and the results amazing.
Basic Equipment Requirements
- Baking sheet or rimmed baking pan
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Sharp knife for slicing the chicken tenders
- Mixing bowl for preparing the marinade
- Tongs or spatula for handling the chicken tenders
Optional Tools for Enhanced Results
While you only need the basics, some tools can help more. They make cooking and preparing easier:
- Meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature
- Basting brush for even brown sugar marinade coating
- Cooling rack for the chicken to drain and crisp up
- Food processor or blender for quick marinade mixing
Having the right tools is key for perfecting black people recipes or family chicken dinners. With the essentials and some extras, you’ll make delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. Your family will love them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Making bacon brown sugar chicken tenders is easy. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can do it. Here’s how to make this tasty dish at home.
- Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take out your chicken tenders and dry them with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and bacon stick better.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This makes a tasty seasoning mix.
- Coat the chicken tenders with the brown sugar mix. Make sure each piece is covered well.
- Put a slice of bacon around each chicken tender. Use a toothpick to hold it in place.
- Put the bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Wait until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked.
- After baking, take out the toothpicks. Serve your bacon brown sugar chicken tenders hot.
Follow these steps for a bacon recipes for dinner easy dish everyone will love. The mix of bacon and brown sugar is irresistible. Get ready to enjoy the best brown sugar chicken tenders!
PrintBacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe | Easy Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 8–10 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Rub each chicken tender with the brown sugar mixture, coating evenly on all sides.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the bacon-wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven, discard toothpicks, and serve hot.
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Tips for Selecting the Best Chicken and Bacon
Choosing the right chicken and bacon is key for great bacon brown sugar chicken tenders. Here are some tips to pick the best for your dish.
Choosing Quality Chicken Tenders
High-quality chicken tenders are crucial for this recipe. Look for plump, juicy tenders without any blemishes. Choose chicken that’s hormone-free and antibiotic-free for the best taste and texture.
Best Bacon Types for Wrapping
The type of bacon you use matters a lot. I suggest thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon for the best flavor. Its smoky taste and texture go well with the brown sugar glaze.
Stay away from thin, watery bacon. It won’t cover the chicken well or crisp up right. Remember, bacon is a big part of the flavor, so pick carefully.
By following these tips, you’ll make amazing bacon brown sugar chicken tenders. Your family will love it.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Getting ready for family chicken dinners or a birthday supper is now easier! Follow these tips for my Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. You can enjoy the flavors without the stress of last-minute prep.
This dish is very flexible. You can make the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them. It’s perfect for busy nights or big gatherings like birthdays.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Make the chicken tenders as the recipe says, but don’t bake them yet.
- Put the unbaked tenders on a baking sheet or in a container. Use parchment paper to keep them from sticking.
- Cover and chill the tenders in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
Freezing and Reheating
- To store longer, freeze the uncooked tenders. Put them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, put them in a container or bag. They last up to 3 months.
- To reheat, bake the frozen tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. They should be crispy and cooked through.
With these tips, you can enjoy tasty chicken dinners or a stress-free birthday supper anytime. The Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders will be a favorite in your home. They’re great for family meals or special events.
Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Chicken Tenders
Looking for dinner ideas with bacon? There are so many! Adding the right side dishes to your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders makes the meal better. Here are some tasty options that go great with this main dish.
Vegetable Pairings
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These sprouts taste nutty and sweet, which is nice with the chicken.
- Garlic Sautéed Green Beans: Green beans cooked with garlic and olive oil are fresh and tasty.
- Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes mashed with cream are sweet and go well with bacon.
Starch Options
- Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes with butter and cream are comforting.
- Fluffy White Rice: White rice is a simple base that lets the chicken’s flavors stand out.
- Roasted Garlic Herb Potatoes: Potatoes roasted with garlic and herbs are crunchy and tasty.
Sauce Recommendations
For a tasty dinner, try these sauces with your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: A mix of honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise is great for dipping.
- Tangy Barbecue Sauce: Homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce adds a smoky flavor.
- Creamy Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing is a classic choice for chicken tenders.
Choosing the right side dishes and sauces makes dinner better. Your family will love these options with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Making bacon brown sugar chicken tenders is fun. But, watch out for common mistakes. I’ve learned a lot from my own cooking. I want to share my tips to help you make this dish great.
Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be 165°F inside. This keeps it juicy and tender. Undercooking is bad too. It’s not safe. So, watch the chicken closely while it cooks.
Bacon can shrink too much. Use thick, good-quality bacon. Wrap it tight around the chicken. Cooking the bacon a bit before wrapping helps it stay in place.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent dryness
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
- Use thick-cut, high-quality bacon to minimize shrinkage
- Partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the tenders
Be careful with the sugar. The brown sugar glaze is sweet but can burn. Watch the chicken closely at the end. Baste with glaze to stop the sugar from burning.
Remember these tips to make great bacon brown sugar chicken tenders. They should be perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Enjoy making and eating them!
Variations and Flavor Twists
The classic bacon brown sugar chicken tenders recipe is loved by many. But why not try something new? Let’s look at some tasty variations and flavor twists. These ideas will make your bacon recipes for dinner easy even better.
Spice It Up
For those who like a little heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade. The sweet and spicy mix is exciting and will wow everyone.
Honey Glazed Delight
Use honey instead of brown sugar for a sweet glaze. It caramelizes around the bacon-wrapped tenders. This mix of sweet and savory is amazing.
Herb-Infused Twist
Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade. These herbs will make your brown sugar chicken tenders even better.
Citrus Zing
Add lemon or orange zest to the marinade for a fresh twist. The citrus adds a bright, tangy flavor that’s perfect with the sweetness.
This recipe is all about trying new things. Mix up the seasonings, glazes, and cooking methods. Your bacon recipes for dinner easy can always change and get better.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size Guidelines
My family loves the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. They taste amazing and are good for us. Each tender has 20 grams of protein, which is great for dinner.
One serving has about 250 calories. This is good for those watching their calories. The chicken and bacon make it a tasty choice instead of beef.
Serve 2-3 tenders per person for dinner. Add a fresh veggie and starch too. This way, everyone is happy and not too full.