If there’s one recipe that instantly wins over both kids and adults, it’s these irresistible Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. Picture juicy chicken strips wrapped in smoky bacon, caramelized with a sweet brown sugar glaze that bakes into sticky perfection. They’re equal parts savory, sweet, and totally addictive.

I still remember the first time I made these for a casual Friday night gathering. Everyone kept sneaking “just one more” off the platter until they disappeared completely within minutes. They’re the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a party appetizer yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner when you need something indulgent. Bonus: they only take a few pantry staples to pull together.

What makes these chicken tenders so special is the balance of flavors. The smokiness of the bacon, the caramel sweetness of the brown sugar, and the juicy tenderness of the chicken come together in a way that feels like comfort food at its best. Pair them with ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy dipping sauce, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that no one can resist.

Whether you’re planning game-day snacks, a holiday appetizer, or just want to treat your family to something different, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. They’re easy, they’re quick, and most importantly, they’re delicious.

Why You’ll Love It

• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. You only need chicken, bacon, brown sugar, and a few spices.

• Crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, parties, or even as a fun main course.

• Kid-friendly. Sweet and savory flavors that even picky eaters can’t resist.

• Easy to make ahead. Assemble them earlier in the day and pop them in the oven when ready to bake.

• Versatile. Serve as an appetizer, side, or main dish with veggies and rice.

Ingredient Notes & Details

• Chicken tenders – Boneless, skinless chicken tenders work best. If using chicken breasts, slice them into even strips for quick and even cooking.

• Bacon – Thin-cut bacon is ideal since it crisps up nicely while still wrapping snugly around the chicken. Avoid thick-cut bacon—it won’t cook through as easily.

• Brown sugar – Light brown sugar gives a subtle molasses sweetness, while dark brown sugar makes the glaze richer and deeper. Either works.

• Spices – A pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness. Garlic powder or onion powder can also be sprinkled for extra flavor.

• Salt & pepper – Just a light sprinkle, since the bacon already adds saltiness.

Pro tip: Use a wire rack over a baking sheet so the bacon gets crispy all around and the sugar caramelizes without making the bottom soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Heat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps with even crisping and easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the chicken. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the bacon adhere better.

3. Wrap with bacon. Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each chicken tender, starting at one end and spiraling to the other. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

4. Coat in sugar. Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in brown sugar, pressing gently so it sticks. Place on the wire rack.

5. Season. Sprinkle lightly with black pepper and optional paprika for extra flavor.

6. Bake. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

7. Optional broil. For extra caramelization, broil the tenders for 2–3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.

8. Serve. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with dipping sauces or as-is!

FAQ

Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll get extra crispy.

Do I have to use chicken tenders?
No—chicken breasts cut into strips or even boneless chicken thighs work well. Just keep the pieces similar in size for even cooking.

Will turkey bacon work?
Yes, but it won’t caramelize and crisp quite the same way. You may want to brush lightly with olive oil to help it along.

Can I prep these ahead?
Absolutely. Wrap the chicken in bacon and coat in sugar up to 12 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

What dipping sauces go best with this?
Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo pair beautifully.

Can I make them less sweet?
Yes, simply reduce the brown sugar or substitute with a mix of smoked paprika and garlic powder for a more savory finish.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot and crispy. The microwave works but won’t keep the bacon crispy.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sugar mix.

• Savory version: Skip the sugar and season with garlic, paprika, and black pepper.

• Maple glaze: Drizzle maple syrup over the bacon before baking for an extra sticky-sweet finish.

• Parmesan crusted: Mix grated Parmesan with the brown sugar for a cheesy twist.

• Herb-infused: Add dried thyme or rosemary for a more gourmet flavor profile.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

This Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe is a sweet and savory favorite—juicy chicken wrapped in smoky bacon, coated with caramelized brown sugar, and baked to crispy perfection. An irresistible appetizer or easy dinner idea!

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Prep Time: 15minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb 450 g chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breast cut into strips)
• 8 –10 slices of bacon
• ½ cup 100 g brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika optional, for flavor
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. (This helps the bacon crisp while the chicken cooks.)
• Mix the coating: In a shallow bowl, stir together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
• Wrap the chicken: Take each chicken tender and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon. Tuck the ends underneath so they don’t unravel.
• Coat in sugar mix: Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks.
• Arrange on rack: Place the coated chicken tenders seam-side down on the wire rack.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C internal temperature) and the bacon is caramelized and crispy.
• Optional finish: For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to prevent burning.
• Rest and serve: Let them rest 5 minutes before serving so the caramelized sugar firms up.