Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are juicy chicken strips wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with caramelized brown sugar. This easy sweet-and-savory recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
- 8–10 slices thin-cut bacon
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder, optional
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup for extra glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Alternatively, preheat an air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken tenders with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Wrap each chicken tender tightly with one slice of thin-cut bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the brown sugar in a shallow dish and roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the sugar until evenly coated.
- Oven method: Arrange the tenders on a wire rack over a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Air fryer method: Arrange the tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Grill method: Grill over medium heat for approximately 12–15 minutes, turning frequently, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked.
- For an extra sticky glaze, brush the tenders with honey or maple syrup during the final few minutes of cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes
Notes
- Thin-cut bacon works best because it becomes crispy before the chicken overcooks.
- Use a wire rack when baking to allow air to circulate and keep the bacon crisp.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer.
- Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy version.
- For a lower-carb version, use a suitable brown-sugar alternative such as monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
- Turkey bacon can be substituted for regular bacon, although the texture and flavor will differ.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bacon crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 tenders
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: bacon brown sugar chicken tenders, bacon wrapped chicken, brown sugar chicken, bacon chicken tenders, sweet and savory chicken,