When it comes to game day snacks, there’s nothing quite like a dish that combines sweet, savory, and crispy in every single bite. Enter Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders—a ridiculously crave-worthy appetizer that’s guaranteed to be the star of your snack table.
Imagine juicy chicken tenders wrapped in smoky bacon, caramelized with a brown sugar glaze, and baked to golden perfection. Yes, they’re as good as they sound!
The best part? These irresistible tenders are surprisingly simple to make. With just five basic ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a show-stopping dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds). Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can make it at home.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Minimal Ingredients: All you need are chicken breasts, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. That’s it! No complicated marinades or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of salty bacon and sweet brown sugar creates a mouthwatering glaze that’s both indulgent and balanced.
- Crispy Perfection: Forget messy breading or frying—these tenders get their crispy exterior from the bacon itself, which bakes up beautifully in the oven.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for an easy appetizer, or even planning a quick dinner, these chicken tenders fit the bill.
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Here’s everything you need to know to create this crowd-pleasing dish:
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Prep the Chicken
Cut each chicken breast into 4 long, thin strips to create tender-sized pieces. - Coat in Brown Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken strips in the mixture until they’re evenly coated. - Wrap with Bacon
Take one strip of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender in a neat spiral. Place the bacon-wrapped tenders in your prepared baking dish. If there’s any leftover brown sugar mixture, sprinkle it over the top for extra caramelization. - Bake to Perfection
Bake the tenders for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure the bacon doesn’t overcook. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve these sticky, savory bites warm with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch, honey mustard, or even maple syrup are excellent options!
Tips for Success
- Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: Regular bacon may cook too quickly or not provide enough texture. Thick-cut bacon holds up better and delivers that satisfying crunch.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure there’s enough space between each tender so the bacon crisps up evenly.
- Add a Kick of Heat: For a spicy twist, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the brown sugar mixture before coating the chicken.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add depth by incorporating a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce into the seasoning mix.
How to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
While these tenders are undeniably delicious on their own, pairing them with a dipping sauce takes them to another level. Here are some ideas to try:
- Classic Ranch: The cool creaminess balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar glaze.
- Honey Mustard: Tangy and slightly sweet, this sauce is a natural match.
- Maple Syrup: For an extra dose of sweetness, drizzle maple syrup over the tenders or serve it on the side.
- Barbecue Sauce: A smoky barbecue sauce complements the bacon perfectly.
- Hot Honey: If you love sweet heat, hot honey is an amazing option.
Endless Ways to Enjoy
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders aren’t just for game day—they’re incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways:
- As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties, happy hour gatherings, or potlucks.
- Over Salads: Slice them up and toss them over a fresh green salad for a hearty meal.
- With Rice or Veggies: Pair them with steamed rice and roasted vegetables for an easy dinner.
- On a Platter: Create a snack board with these tenders as the centerpiece alongside cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit.
Why These Tenders Are So Addictive
It’s all about the combination of flavors and textures. The juicy chicken contrasts beautifully with the crispy bacon, while the brown sugar glaze ties everything together with its sticky sweetness. Every bite is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, smoky, and savory—a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a big game day bash or simply looking for an easy snack to satisfy your cravings, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re quick to make, full of flavor, and endlessly versatile—what more could you ask for?
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most addictive appetizers you’ll ever make. Don’t forget to have plenty of dipping sauces on hand—you’re going to need them!
Happy snacking!
Print
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are sticky, savory, sweet, and crispy—all wrapped into one crave-worthy bite! With just 5 simple ingredients and a 30-minute cook time, they’re the ultimate appetizer, game-day snack, or easy dinner idea. Juicy chicken strips are coated in brown sugar and wrapped in smoky bacon, then baked to caramelized perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice each chicken breast into 4 long, thin tenders to make 8 total pieces.
In a medium bowl, toss chicken tenders with brown sugar, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Wrap each tender tightly in a strip of bacon, spiraling it neatly.
Arrange the wrapped tenders in a baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, hot honey, or maple syrup.
Notes
For spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mix.
These also make a great protein topping for salads or rice bowls.
To crisp the bacon further, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
