Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 strips of bacon
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if available (this helps the bacon crisp up).
- Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast into 4 long, thin strips. You’ll have 8 chicken tenders in total.
- Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over each chicken strip, coating all sides.
- Wrap with Bacon
- Take each chicken strip and wrap it with one slice of bacon, making sure to overlap the ends slightly. Place each wrapped tender on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Bake
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F).
- Optional Broil
- For extra crispy bacon, broil the chicken tenders for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the tenders to cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own or with a side of honey mustard or barbecue sauce!
Tips:
- Use Thin-Cut Bacon: Thin bacon wraps more easily and crisps up better.
- Sweet and Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the brown sugar mix for a bit of heat.
Here are some tips to make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders even more delicious!
1. Use Smoked Paprika or Chili Powder
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the brown sugar mix for a smoky or slightly spicy kick. It complements the sweetness and bacon flavor beautifully.
2. Wrap the Bacon Tightly
Wrapping each chicken strip tightly with bacon prevents the bacon from unraveling and helps it cook evenly. You can secure it with a toothpick if needed.
3. Choose Thin-Cut Bacon
Thin-cut bacon crisps up better in the oven and cooks evenly with the chicken. Thick-cut bacon might take longer and could be chewy.
4. Add a Dash of Maple Syrup
Brush a small amount of maple syrup over the bacon-wrapped chicken before baking for a richer, caramelized finish.
5. Use a Wire Rack for Even Cooking
Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to let the heat circulate around each piece. This helps the bacon crisp on all sides and prevents it from getting soggy.
6. Broil for the Last Few Minutes
For extra crispy bacon, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
7. Sprinkle Fresh Herbs Before Serving
Add fresh parsley, chives, or even a pinch of rosemary on top after baking for added color and a hint of freshness.
8. Serve with a Dipping Sauce
These tenders are great with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping!
9. Add a Hint of Garlic Powder
Mix a tiny bit of garlic powder into the brown sugar to give it a savory depth.
10. Experiment with Different Sugars
For a richer caramelization, try using a mix of brown sugar and a bit of coconut sugar or honey—it can add a slight tropical note to the sweetness.
These tips should make your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders irresistibly tasty and add some fun flavor variations!
Here’s a comprehensive list of 40 secrets to perfecting Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders! These tips will help you enhance the flavor, texture, and overall experience of the dish.
Preparation & Cooking Tips:
- Use Fresh Chicken – Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts will result in a juicier, more tender texture.
- Slice Chicken Evenly – Cut the chicken breasts into even strips to ensure uniform cooking.
- Pat the Chicken Dry – Dry the chicken with paper towels before seasoning to help the bacon and sugar adhere better.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor – If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in a mixture of brown sugar, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Season the Chicken – Lightly season the chicken strips with salt and pepper before wrapping them in bacon to enhance the flavor.
Bacon Tips:
- Choose Thick-Cut Bacon – For a meatier, chewier texture, opt for thick-cut bacon rather than regular bacon.
- Pre-cook the Bacon Slightly – To help the bacon cook more evenly, you can pre-cook it for a couple of minutes until it’s partially crispy, but still pliable.
- Wrap the Bacon Tight – Ensure the bacon wraps snugly around each chicken strip to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- Overlapping Bacon Edges – If you need to secure the bacon better, slightly overlap the edges where they meet.
Seasoning & Sweetness:
- Brown Sugar Consistency – Use tightly packed brown sugar to ensure the sweetness isn’t too loose and adds the right flavor.
- Add a Dash of Garlic Powder – Garlic powder can add depth and savory notes that balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Include Some Mustard Powder – A pinch of mustard powder can add a subtle tangy note that cuts through the sweetness.
- Cinnamon Twist – A dash of cinnamon mixed with the brown sugar adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Balance the Salt – Be mindful of the salt. Bacon is already salty, so adjust accordingly to avoid the dish becoming too salty.
Cooking Tips:
- Oven Temperature – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for perfectly cooked chicken with crispy bacon. Too high of a heat can burn the bacon before the chicken is fully cooked.
- Use a Cooling Rack – Place the chicken tenders on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the air to circulate and prevents soggy bacon.
- Line the Pan with Foil – For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with foil to catch bacon grease and any drippings.
- Flip Halfway Through – To ensure even crisping, flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking process.
- Check the Internal Temperature – The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – If you have a lot of tenders, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This ensures the bacon crisps up properly.
Texture & Presentation:
- Allow Resting Time – Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to lock in the juices.
- Glaze with Honey – For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the cooked tenders before serving.
- Sprinkle Crushed Red Pepper – A small amount of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice hint of heat that contrasts with the sweetness.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs – Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Serve with a Dip – A creamy dip like ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo pairs beautifully with the tenders.
Flavor Variations:
- Use Maple Syrup Instead of Brown Sugar – For a deeper sweetness and flavor, substitute maple syrup for brown sugar.
- Add a Touch of Soy Sauce – A teaspoon of soy sauce can give the dish a savory umami boost.
- Incorporate Fresh Lime Zest – A little lime zest in the seasoning mix adds brightness and freshness.
- Try a Sweet & Spicy Blend – Mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce with the brown sugar for a sweet and spicy balance.
- Use Honey Bacon – If possible, opt for honey-cured bacon for added sweetness and flavor complexity.
Presentation:
- Serve with Veggies – Pair your chicken tenders with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli, to balance the richness.
- Serve Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes – This creates a hearty, comforting meal, and the sauce from the chicken works wonderfully as a drizzle.
- Use a Garnish of Toasted Sesame Seeds – A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a crunchy texture and a hint of nuttiness.
- Serve with a Side Salad – A crisp, refreshing salad can cut through the richness of the bacon and sugar.
- Serve with a Sweet Chili Sauce – For an added layer of flavor, serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Additional Tips:
- Cook in a Cast-Iron Skillet – If you prefer pan-frying instead of baking, a cast-iron skillet can give your chicken tenders a nice sear and even heat.
- Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup – Instead of foil, use parchment paper for an easy, no-stick cleanup.
- Make a Double Batch – This dish is great for meal prep or serving a crowd. Make a double batch and refrigerate or freeze leftovers.
- Use a Drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar – A small drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the tenders right before serving adds a nice tangy contrast.
- Experiment with Different Bacon Types – Try different flavors of bacon, like applewood smoked or maple bacon, to experiment with different flavor profiles.
With these 40 tips, your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders will be the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky with a crispy bacon exterior and juicy chicken interior. Enjoy!
Here are 40 popular questions and answers related to the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe, designed to help you achieve the perfect dish:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work perfectly and will provide a slightly juicier texture.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and bacon ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too crispy?
Keep an eye on the bacon while it’s cooking and remove the chicken once the bacon is crispy but not burnt. You can also wrap the bacon loosely to control crispiness.
4. What’s the best way to slice the chicken?
Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken breasts into long, even strips to ensure they cook uniformly.
5. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used, but it may not crisp up as well as regular bacon.
6. How do I make the bacon extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispy bacon, bake the chicken on a wire rack set on a baking sheet to allow the fat to drain off while cooking.
7. Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?
While brown sugar gives a more caramelized texture, you can substitute with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
8. What do I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
9. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling the chicken with wrapped bacon is a great alternative. Just make sure to cook it on medium heat to prevent burning.
10. How do I ensure the bacon sticks to the chicken?
Press the bacon gently around the chicken and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine if needed.
11. Can I use other types of sweeteners?
Yes, honey or agave syrup can be used instead of brown sugar, though the texture may be a little different.
12. Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the brown sugar mixture for an extra kick.
13. Can I use regular salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, just reduce the amount to about half, as regular salt is finer than kosher salt.
14. How do I keep the chicken tender while baking?
Don’t overcook the chicken; bake it just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
15. Can I freeze the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the wrapped chicken tenders before cooking. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before baking.
16. What temperature should I bake these at?
Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for best results.
17. How long should I bake these for?
Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken strips.
18. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, pork tenderloin or even fish fillets could be wrapped in bacon and seasoned with brown sugar for a unique twist.
19. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Make sure not to overcook the chicken and cover it loosely with foil during the first part of baking to keep moisture in.
20. Can I bake them in a casserole dish instead of a baking sheet?
Yes, but a baking sheet with a wire rack is preferable to help the bacon crisp up.
21. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be added to the baking sheet for a one-pan meal.
22. Do I need to flip the chicken during baking?
No, flipping is not necessary if you are using a wire rack, as air circulates around the chicken and bacon.
23. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
While you can use a slow cooker, the bacon won’t get as crispy. It’s best to use the oven for that crispy texture.
24. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
It’s better to use raw bacon to ensure it crisps up properly during baking.
25. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
26. What’s the best bacon to use?
Thick-cut bacon works best because it holds up to the cooking process and crisps nicely.
27. How do I prevent the brown sugar from burning?
Make sure to bake at the right temperature and check the dish midway through to avoid burning the sugar.
28. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, just make sure there’s enough room on the baking sheet for even cooking.
29. Can I use brown sugar alternatives like coconut sugar?
Yes, coconut sugar can be used as an alternative, though it has a slightly different taste and texture.
30. Do I need to preheat the oven?
Yes, always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
31. Can I marinate the chicken before wrapping it in bacon?
Marinating the chicken in a bit of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, or even BBQ sauce for 30 minutes can add extra flavor.
32. How do I keep the bacon from shrinking too much?
Use thicker cuts of bacon, which are less likely to shrink significantly while baking.
33. Can I add cheese to the chicken?
Yes! A slice of cheese can be added on top of the chicken for a melty, cheesy twist.
34. What if my bacon is not crispy enough?
If the bacon isn’t crispy after baking, place it under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
35. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
36. Can I reheat the leftovers?
Yes, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the bacon.
37. How do I prevent the bacon from getting soggy?
Ensure that the bacon is wrapped tightly around the chicken and that there’s airflow during cooking by using a wire rack.
38. Can I use non-stick spray on the baking sheet?
Yes, you can lightly spray the baking sheet, but if you’re using a wire rack, you may not need any spray.
39. How do I add extra flavor to the brown sugar mix?
Consider adding a bit of ground mustard, cinnamon, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sugar for added complexity.
40. Can I serve these with a dipping sauce?
Yes! A simple BBQ sauce, ranch, or even a honey mustard dipping sauce would pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the chicken and bacon.
These questions and answers should help guide you as you make and perfect your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and techniques to find your favorite version!