🥓 Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a dish that’s the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and savory, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders will absolutely steal the show! 🍗✨ Each tender strip of juicy chicken is wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, and baked to perfection. The result? A mouthwatering combination that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even the star of your dinner table.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Irresistibly delicious — smoky bacon + sweet brown sugar = flavor heaven.
✅ Quick & easy — just 10 minutes of prep and simple ingredients.
✅ Crowd favorite — great for parties, game nights, or family dinners.
✅ Oven-baked or air fryer friendly — crispy results every time!

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 lb bacon strips (thin-cut works best for even crispiness)
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (or coconut sugar for a healthier version)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or a drizzle of maple syrup for serving

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top (this helps the bacon crisp evenly).

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Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• (Optional) Cayenne pepper

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Step 3: Wrap the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
2. Wrap each tender with one slice of bacon, slightly overlapping as you go.
3. Roll each wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.

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Step 4: Bake

1. Place the wrapped tenders on the prepared rack.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
3. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2–3 minutes — keep a close eye to prevent burning!

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Step 5: Serve

Let cool for a few minutes before serving — the brown sugar glaze will thicken and get beautifully sticky.

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for contrast.

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🌟 Tips for Success

✨ Use a wire rack — it helps the bacon cook evenly and keeps it crispy on all sides.
✨ Don’t skip the seasoning mix — the blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy takes these to the next level.
✨ For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little BBQ sauce or maple syrup before wrapping.
✨ Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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🍯 Serving Suggestions

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders pair perfectly with:

• 🥔 Mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
• 🥗 Crisp green salad or coleslaw for a fresh balance
• 🍞 Garlic bread or cornbread muffins for soaking up the glaze
• 🍯 Dipping sauces: honey mustard, ranch, spicy mayo, or BBQ sauce

They also make an amazing appetizer for holidays or game-day spreads!

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place cooled tenders in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy again.

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💛 Final Thoughts

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are pure comfort food magic — simple to make yet bursting with flavor. The smoky bacon, sweet caramelized sugar, and tender chicken create a balance that’s irresistible for both kids and adults alike.

Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a fun dinner, or a party snack, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. 🥓🍗✨

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