Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders – Sweet, Savory, and Straight From the Family Table

Some recipes don’t try to be fancy. They’re built on simple ingredients, bold flavors, and that unmistakable feeling of comfort you get from the very first bite. Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are exactly that kind of dish — the kind that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”

This recipe feels like something passed down, scribbled on a recipe card, and pulled out whenever you needed a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Juicy chicken wrapped in smoky bacon, coated in caramelized brown sugar with just enough seasoning to keep things balanced. Sweet. Salty. Crispy. Sticky. Perfect.

Whether you serve these for dinner, game day, or a casual gathering, they disappear fast — and someone always asks for the recipe.

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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

• 1½–2 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)

• 1 lb bacon (thin-cut works best)

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Optional: pinch of chili powder or cayenne for heat

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Instructions

1) Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (optional but helps crisp the bacon).

3. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.

2) Wrap

1. Wrap each chicken tender with a strip of bacon, slightly overlapping as you go.

2. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

3) Coat

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and optional spice.

2. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the bacon-wrapped chicken, pressing lightly so it sticks.

4) Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the bacon is mostly cooked.

2. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is bubbly and caramelized.

3. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness — watch closely.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Brown sugar melts into the bacon, creating a sticky glaze

• Bacon keeps the chicken juicy, even at higher heat

• Minimal seasoning lets the sweet–savory combo shine

• No sauce needed — the glaze does everything

This is one of those recipes that proves simple really is better.

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Tips for the Best Chicken Tenders

• Use thin-cut bacon so it crisps before the chicken overcooks

• Don’t overcrowd the pan — space helps caramelization

• Flip once halfway if baking without a rack

• Line the pan well — the sugar WILL drip and harden

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese

• Add a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness

• Great as an appetizer with toothpicks

• Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer

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FAQ – Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Wrap the chicken and bacon ahead, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the sugar just before baking.

Can I use turkey bacon?

You can, but it won’t caramelize or crisp the same way. Pork bacon gives the best result.

Is this dish very sweet?

It’s balanced. Sweet from the sugar, salty from the bacon, and savory from the chicken. Add chili powder if you like contrast.

Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping once, until bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the bacon crisp.