Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Description: These tenders are crispy, sticky, and incredibly addictive. The brown sugar melts into the bacon fat during baking, creating a candy-like coating that locks moisture into the chicken.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 20–25 minutes

  • Servings: 4 (approx. 3 tenders per person)

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount Notes
Chicken Tenders 1 lb (12 count) Raw, unbreaded
Bacon 12 slices Standard cut (not thick-cut)
Brown Sugar 1 cup Packed (light or dark)
Garlic Powder 1 tsp For depth
Cayenne Pepper 1/4 tsp Optional (for a “sweet heat” kick)
Black Pepper 1/2 tsp Freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick spray.

  2. Season the Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

  3. Wrap: Take one chicken tender and wrap one slice of bacon tightly around it, spiraling from top to bottom.

  4. Coat: Roll the bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing firmly so the sugar adheres to every nook and cranny.

  5. Bake: Place tenders on the wire rack. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

  6. Broil (Optional): If you want the bacon extra crispy, turn the broiler on for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely so the sugar doesn’t burn!

  7. Rest: Let them sit for 5 minutes before serving so the glaze thickens.

Tips for Success

  • Avoid Thick-Cut Bacon: It takes much longer to crisp than the chicken takes to cook. Standard or thin-cut bacon is your best friend here.

  • The Wire Rack is Key: This allows hot air to circulate under the chicken, preventing the bottom from getting soggy.

  • Toothpick Trick: If your bacon is sliding off, secure the ends with a toothpick (just remember to remove them before serving!).

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal

  • Protein: 28g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbohydrates: 52g (primarily from the sugar glaze)

  • Sodium: 650mg

The Benefits

  • High Protein: Despite the sugar, the chicken and bacon provide a solid protein punch.

  • Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters usually can’t say no to “candy chicken.”

  • Versatility: These can be served as a main dish with a side of green beans, or as a standalone finger food for parties.

Q&A

Q: Can I make these in an Air Fryer? A: Yes! Set it to 375°F and cook for 12–15 minutes. Just be careful, as the sugar can create a bit of smoke in smaller air fryers.

Q: Can I prep these ahead of time? A: You can wrap them and coat them up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q: Is there a substitute for brown sugar? A: You can use a keto-friendly brown sugar replacement (like Swerve) if you’re watching carbs, though the caramelization will be slightly different.

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