Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Bacon brown sugar chicken tenders are sweet, savory, and irresistibly crispy! Juicy chicken tenders wrapped in smoky bacon, coated with a caramelized brown sugar glaze, make for the perfect appetizer, snack, or dinner idea. These easy-to-make tenders are always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
8-10 slices bacon (thin-cut)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top for even cooking.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Wrap the Chicken: Wrap each chicken tender tightly with a slice of bacon. If needed, use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place.
Coat with Brown Sugar: Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Bake: Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Broil (Optional): For extra crispiness, broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve: Let the chicken tenders cool slightly before serving. Serve as is or with a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Thin Bacon Works Best: Thin-cut bacon crisps up more easily than thick-cut.
Use a Rack: A wire rack allows the bacon to crisp on all sides and prevents sogginess.
Add Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the brown sugar mixture for a spicy-sweet kick.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.