Welcome to your next favorite meal! Dive into the perfect blend of sweet and savory with our Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. This irresistible recipe combines crispy bacon with succulent chicken tenders, all wrapped in a caramelized brown sugar glaze that’s sure to add an extra sparkle to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowl
- Oven mitts
- Kitchenaid or hand mixer (optional)
How to Make Sweet Meets Savory: Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients in one place. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help ensure a nice, even cooking process for the tenders. While the oven is warming, pat the chicken tenders dry using paper towels; this allows the brown sugar and spices to stick better and ensures a crisp, caramelized finish.
Step 2: Create Sweet-Savory Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients well until you have a uniform blend. This mixture will act as a flavorful coating, giving each bite a balanced taste of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Step 3: Wrap Chicken with Bacon
Take each chicken tender and wrap it neatly with a slice of bacon. Secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks if needed, to hold the bacon in place. Ensure that the chicken is completely covered, as this keeps the moisture in and allows the bacon to add its smoky flavor.
Step 4: Coat and Arrange
Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the sugar-spice mixture, ensuring that it is thoroughly coated on all sides. Place the tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The wire rack helps to keep the chicken elevated, allowing air to circulate and making the finished product crispier.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, turn each tender over to allow even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is crispy and the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Serve these delicious tenders hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime for a refreshing twist. They pair wonderfully with roasted veggies or a light salad, making them a versatile main dish.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the crispiest bacon, opt for thin or medium slices rather than thick-cut; they cook quicker and allow the chicken to shine. If you prefer an added zing, sprinkle a pinch more chili powder after baking. Also, monitor your oven closely at the end for the perfect balance of caramelization without burning the sugar.
High Protein Version: Boost Your Energy with a Protein Punch!
If you’re looking for a high protein option, use thick-cut bacon and consider marinating your chicken tenders in a soy sauce or yogurt marinade overnight. This tip enhances the chicken’s flavor while adding an extra layer of protein.
Additionally, including a protein-rich side dish like quinoa salad or a bean mash can make this meal a protein powerhouse. These additions not only complement the main dish but also make this recipe suitable for fitness enthusiasts.
Low Carb Twist: Crispy and Keto-Friendly Delight
To make this recipe low carb, substitute the brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute, like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. This switch helps to merge sweet flavors with a lower carbohydrate count, ideal for those on a keto diet.
Additionally, consider seasoning with light sprigs of rosemary or thyme for an aromatic finish and serve alongside a garden-fresh zucchini noodle salad to keep the meal balanced yet excitingly flavorful.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispness. These tenders can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
- Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a healthier alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as turkey bacon might cook quicker.
- What sugar substitute would work best?
Erythritol or monk fruit sweetener are excellent choices for maintaining sweetness while keeping carbs low.
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can wrap the chicken in bacon and coat it in the spice mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Will any other cut of chicken work?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic option if you prefer a different texture and taste.
- How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Celebrate the Flavor: Wrap Up Your Culinary Adventure
This recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy them in a high protein or low carb version, they’re a perfect fit for any diet or craving. Please try this recipe at home, share your thoughts, and don’t forget to spread the joy by sending this post to friends who might love to experiment in the kitchen!
Sweet Meets Savory: Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken tenders
- bacon
- brown sugar
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare ingredients.
- Mix brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a strip of bacon.
- Coat wrapped tenders in sugar-spice mix and align on a wire rack.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.