When it comes to game day snacking and appetizers, you just can’t beat the insanely craveable trio of sweet, savory, and crispy. This recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders checks off all those boxes and then some! We’re talking juicy chicken tenders enrobed in a sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze with the most incredible bacon wrapper exterior. They’re utterly addictive.
The genius of these tenders lies in their surprising simplicity. You just need 5 basic ingredients and around 30 minutes for a downright show-stopping appetizer or snack that’ll have everybody going back for more. Grab some boneless, skinless chicken breasts along with thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, salt and pepper. That’s literally it!
While you could opt for the typical breaded chicken tender route, these get their delectable crispy crunch from that salty, smoky bacon wrapping instead. Such a brilliant shortcut to build incredible flavor and texture without the added hassle and mess of dredging and frying.
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into generous tender-sized strips. Give them a quick toss in the brown sugar seasoned with salt and pepper until every piece is coated in those sweet crystals. From there, you’ll simply wrap each tender with a slice of bacon in a tidy little package and arrange them all in a baking dish.
As they bake away, the brown sugar melts into a luscious, caramelized glaze that coats the tenders while simultaneously crisping up that bacon wrap to savory, crunchy perfection. Talk about a flavor and texture combo made in snacking heaven!
You’ll definitely want to serve these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with something to cut through all that sweet and savory indulgence. A cool, creamy ranch or tangy honey mustard are classic dunking options. Or take it up another insanely delicious notch by drizzling on some maple, barbeque or hot honey for dipping.
While absolutely ideal for whipping up as an easy game day app, these sticky chicken tenders are also endlessly versatile. They make a fabulous happy hour snack, easy entertaining nibble, or even hearty main course when served over a fresh salad or rice. You can amp up the heat with cayenne, or add depth with some Worcestershire or soy sauce.
No matter how you serve them up, these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to be the most addictive, crave-worthy bites on the menu. They’re sweet, salty, savory, crispy and utterly irresistible in every soul-satisfying bite. Finger-licking snacking at its finest!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
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 oven to 375°F.
- Cut each chicken breast into 4 long, thin tender strips.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken tenders with the brown sugar, salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- Wrap each tender in a strip of bacon in a tidy spiral.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped tenders in a baking dish. Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the tenders are cooked through.
- Serve warm, with ranch, honey mustard or maple syrup for dipping if desired.
These sweet, savory and amazingly crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the ultimate game day or anytime snacking treat! So sticky and delicious.
