Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

I’ll never forget the first time I made these for my family. It was one of those evenings where the fridge looked sparse — just some chicken tenders, bacon, and a half-used bag of brown sugar sitting in the pantry. I thought, why not wrap them together and see what happens? Well, let me tell you, the smell alone had my teenagers wandering into the kitchen before the timer even beeped. When I finally set the platter down, the tenders disappeared faster than I could say, “don’t forget the napkins!”

There’s just something magical about the way smoky bacon and caramelized brown sugar mingle together — it’s the kind of pairing that feels both cozy and a little indulgent. These tenders are as welcome on a Sunday football spread as they are on a busy Tuesday night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet Meets Savory – That crave-worthy flavor combo that keeps you coming back for seconds.

• Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters gobble these up (and usually ask for more).

• Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples and a pack of bacon — you’ve got this.

• Versatile – Dinner entrée, party appetizer, or even part of a brunch spread.

Ingredients (and Little Notes Along the Way)

Here’s the short list — you’ll be surprised at how much flavor comes from so few ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders – You can also slice chicken breasts into strips if that’s what you have.

• 8 slices of bacon – Regular-cut works best; thick-cut takes longer to crisp.

• ½ cup brown sugar – Light or dark; dark will give you a richer, molasses-y flavor.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Just enough to balance the sweetness.

• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked gives a nice little bite.

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – For those who like a gentle kick.

Tip: If you’re feeding little ones or spice-averse folks, you can skip the cayenne. If you love heat, double it.

Step-by-Step Directions (Don’t Worry, It’s Easy!)

1. Get Your Oven Ready
   Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup — trust me, that caramelized sugar gets sticky.

2. Mix the Magic Dust
   In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if you’re using it). This mixture is what gives you that sweet-savory crust.

3. Wrap the Chicken
   Take each chicken tender and wrap it snugly with a slice of bacon. If the bacon is slipping or not staying put, use a toothpick to secure it. Don’t worry — they’ll look rustic, and that’s part of the charm.

4. Coat in Sugar & Spice
   Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks all around. You want that coating to cling — it’ll caramelize beautifully in the oven.

5. Bake to Perfection
   Arrange the tenders on your prepared sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is crisp. Halfway through, peek in and spoon a little of the melted brown sugar-bacon drippings over the top for extra flavor (optional but highly recommended).

6. Rest Before Serving
   Once baked, let them sit for a few minutes. This gives the sugar a chance to firm up into that irresistible sticky-sweet glaze.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Maple-Bacon Tenders: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup and brush it on before baking.

• Herby Touch: Sprinkle with fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic layer.

• Lighter Version: Try turkey bacon and cut back a bit on the sugar.

• Party Style: Slice tenders into smaller bites before wrapping — instant finger food.