Ever bitten into a piece of chicken so tender and sweetly glazed, wrapped in a smoky hug of bacon, that you just closed your eyes and savored the moment? That’s what happened to me the first time I made Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. I mean, I didn’t think it would be so life-changing, but here we are. The kids were all, “Mom, this is the best thing ever!” and honestly, I had to agree.
I’ve always been a bit of a chicken when it comes to trying new recipes (pun absolutely intended). But the day I decided to wrap tender chicken in bacon and give it a brown sugar kiss, it was like I was a culinary rockstar in my own kitchen. And don’t even get me started on the smell—sweet, smoky, and just a hint of caramelization—it’s enough to make your neighbors pop by just to see what’s cooking.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Now, about those ingredients… I mean, you probably have half of this stuff in your pantry already. And if you don’t, well, it’s nothing a quick trip to the corner store can’t fix.
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden toothpicks (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
Instructions
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to it (trust me, it’s easier than you think).
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You don’t want to be like me, who’s forgotten this step more times than I care to admit.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top. This little setup is a game-changer for crispiness.
- In a shallow dish, combine the brown sugar and chili powder. This is where the magic happens, folks.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Don’t skimp on the seasoning; flavor is key!
- Wrap each tender in a slice of bacon. If the bacon’s too long, just trim it. No need for excess unless you’re a bacon fiend like me.
- Dredge each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture. Make sure it’s nicely coated – that’s your ticket to flavor town.
- Secure the bacon with toothpicks. I learned the hard way that bacon likes to do its own thing in the oven.
- Place the tenders on the wire rack and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, switch to broil and cook for another 2-3 minutes to get that bacon irresistibly crisp.
- Let them rest for a bit. They’re hot and sticky, and honestly, they taste even better after a 5-minute breather.
Tips & Tricks
Now, I can’t let you go without a few nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way.
- Patience with the Toothpicks: Soak ’em good, or you’ll have a mini bonfire in your oven (learned this the hard way).
- Bacon Quality Matters: Go for the good stuff. Thick-cut works wonders and holds up to the sugar better, too.
- Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne in your brown sugar mix can really kick things up a notch.
FAQ
Got questions? I’ve got answers (and if I don’t, we’ll figure it out together).
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Just prep ’em and store them in the fridge. When it’s go-time, bake as directed.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: If you’ve got leftovers (which, let’s be real, is a big if), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3 days.
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
A: Sure can! Just slice ’em into tender-sized strips. The cooking time might vary, so keep an eye on them.
There’s a cultural story behind every dish, and for these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, it’s all about sharing and comfort. They remind me of big family gatherings, potluck Sundays, and the smiles that come with a meal made with love. In our home, this recipe isn’t just food; it’s a memory-maker, a conversation starter, and a way to bring everyone a little closer.
So go ahead, give it a try. Whether it’s a game day, a casual dinner, or just because it’s Tuesday, these tenders are sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation. And remember, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and with recipes like these, it’s easy to see why.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Tender chicken wrapped in bacon, kissed with brown sugar, and baked to perfection. A sweet, smoky, and savory dish that will leave you craving for more. Perfect for game days, casual dinners, or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden toothpicks (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack on top.
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Combine brown sugar and chili powder in a shallow dish.
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Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
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Wrap each tender in a slice of bacon, trimming excess if needed.
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Dredge each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture.
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Secure the bacon with toothpicks.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for crispiness.
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Let the tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving.