The combination of crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar is like a warm hug in food form. This dish captures the comforting essence of Sunday dinners on the farm, bringing together chicken tenders, bacon, and brown sugar for something simple yet utterly delicious! The chicken is cloaked in bacon and brown sugar so that the final dish is neither too sweet nor overpowering.
Anyone craving a touch of Midwest comfort on a busy weekday night or during a family get-together will find this meal ideal. It’s easy to prepare and leaves a memorable taste on your palate.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken tenders: These tender pieces of chicken form the base of the dish.
8 slices of bacon: Smoky and meaty bacon makes for delicious munching.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a sweet, caramelized touch to the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika: Enhances the dish with mild warmth and color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season your chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each chicken tender with one strip of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary to prevent unraveling during cooking.
Step 2: Add the Sweet Touch
Coat with Brown Sugar: Evenly spread brown sugar over the wrapped chicken tenders, pressing lightly to help the sugar stick to the bacon. This will create a beautifully caramelized exterior during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake: Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for at least five minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful bite.
Variations & Tips
Maple-Glazed Tenders: Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar to create a sweet and sticky glaze that pairs wonderfully with savory bacon.
Add Some Heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. It will provide heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
Herbal Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to your seasoning or place them under the chicken for an aromatic touch.
Scaling Up: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, making it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or church fundraisers.
Serving Ideas
Serve these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a complete meal. For a true farmhouse experience, accompany them with freshly baked cornbread or a mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette. Complement the meal with iced tea or lemonade to balance the flavors.
Bringing a taste of the farm to your home, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are more than just a meal—they’re a comforting reminder of simpler times spent around the kitchen table with loved ones. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet evening at home or serving up something special for guests, this dish delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. So go ahead, preheat that oven, wrap those tenders in bacon, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
