Whenever I make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe, it instantly transports me back to cozy family dinners when everyone—kids included—gathers around the table begging for seconds. One time, I brought these to a potluck, and the crispy, sweet-savory bites disappeared faster than I could say “pass the napkins.” The aroma of crisp bacon mingled with a caramelized brown sugar crust fills the kitchen, teasing your taste buds before you even take a bite.

This dish stands out because it blends the smoky, salty crunch of bacon with a sticky, sweet coating that locks in the juicy chicken underneath. The texture contrast alone makes you smile—and the paprika and garlic powder add subtle warmth without overpowering the main flavors. Plus, it’s super approachable; no fancy skills needed, just a few steps that anyone can nail, no matter your kitchen confidence.

I’m excited to walk you through this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe from start to finish, with tips along the way so you get it perfectly right on your first try. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be on heavy rotation for weeknight dinners or an easy crowd-pleaser anytime.

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Why This Recipe Shines

Flavor Harmony: The perfect balance of smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar glaze, and savory spices create an irresistible bite.
Easy Assembly: Simple steps with easy-to-find ingredients mean you can have this on the table in under 35 minutes.
Texture Play: Crispy bacon wrap meets juicy, tender chicken for an addictive mouthfeel everyone will love.
Showstopper Finish: The sticky, caramelized brown sugar coating makes this dish look and taste like a gourmet treat.

A white plate filled with five golden brown fried chicken strips layered with crispy pieces of dark reddish-brown bacon on top, sprinkled with small green parsley leaves; behind the chicken strips are thick golden orange sweet potato fries also sprinkled with parsley, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Be Working With

Before you dive in, grab a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you get the right balance of flavors. Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card at the end to help you nail the dish every time.

Chicken tenders: The star protein, lean and quick-cooking; cut lengthwise if they’re large for even cooking.
Bacon slices: Wrap around each tender for smoky flavor and crispy texture; regular or thick-cut works.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness and helps create that caramelized glaze.
Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick; freshly ground preferred.

If you don’t have paprika on hand, smoked paprika or mild chili powder makes a great substitute. And if you prefer turkey bacon, it works well here but watch cooking time as it crisps faster.

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Chef’s Note

You’ll find the complete list of ingredients with exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet: Use one with a rim to catch any drips and keep your oven clean.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy clean-up after baking.
Mixing bowl: For combining the brown sugar rub ingredients evenly.
Measuring spoons and cup: Ensures accurate seasoning and sugar balance.
Toothpicks: Optional but helpful to secure bacon around chicken tenders without fuss.
Oven thermometer (optional): Great for making sure your oven is at the ideal 375°F (190°C) for perfect cooking.

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ready to get cooking? This Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe is straightforward and hands-off once it’s in the oven. Here’s how to make it come out crisp, juicy, and sweetly smoky every time.

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting this right ensures the bacon crisps without drying out your chicken.
Prepare the chicken tenders: If your tenders are on the larger side, slice them lengthwise so they cook evenly and the bacon wraps better.
Wrap with bacon: Take one slice of bacon per tender and wrap snugly around the chicken. If it feels loose, secure it with a toothpick to hold its shape while cooking.
Make the brown sugar rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well so all the flavors meld together.
Coat the chicken: Use your hands or a spoon to evenly rub the brown sugar mixture over each bacon-wrapped tender. The sugar will help create that sticky, caramelized finish.
Bake to perfection: Place the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced out to crisp on all sides. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and the bacon is golden and crisp.

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Kitchen Wisdom

Tip 1: Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking; chicken should hit 165°F internally.
Tip 2: For extra crisp bacon, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Tip 3: Let the tenders rest 5 minutes after baking to let juices redistribute and the glaze set slightly.
Tip 4: Line your baking sheet with foil under parchment for even easier cleanup if your pan tends to stick.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a pile of breaded chicken strips with a shiny glaze on top, stacked in a white plate. The chicken strips have a textured, golden-brown crust with pieces of crispy bacon bits scattered over them. The rich glaze gives the dish a glossy, sticky look, and the bacon bits add dark reddish-brown spots that contrast with the lighter tones of the breading. The scene is set against a white marbled surface, making the warm colors of the chicken strips stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Flavor Boosters

You can elevate your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe with a drizzle of spicy honey or a brush of maple syrup fresh from the bottle. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds brightness and a pop of color. If you crave a little heat, a dash of cayenne pepper in the rub or a side of tangy mustard dip complements the sweetness perfectly.

Perfect Pairings

These chicken tenders go amazingly with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. For beverages, try a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp apple cider to balance the sweetness and bacon’s smoky notes.

Presentation Touches

For gatherings, arrange your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe on a large serving platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Wrap extras in parchment paper and tie with kitchen twine for a tasty foodie gift. For a pretty plate, serve with edible flowers or microgreens and a small ramekin of dipping sauce on the side.

Variations & Easy Swaps

Swap bacon for turkey bacon or prosciutto for a leaner or different smoky flavor.
Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne in the rub for a spicy kick.
Try coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a subtle different caramel note.
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of tenders for a juicier, richer option.
Brush finished tenders with a mustard glaze for a tangy-sweet contrast.
Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the brown sugar rub for herbal freshness.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make the tenders up to 24 hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days—reheat in a 375°F oven on a foil-lined tray for 10 minutes to crisp bacon again.
Freezing is possible: freeze wrapped tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen, adding extra bake time and covering with foil if browning too fast.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders? Yes! Just slice the breast into tender-size strips to ensure even cooking and keep the same wrapping method.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? You can substitute with coconut sugar or even a blend of white sugar and molasses to approximate the flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done? The safest way is checking with an instant-read thermometer; it should read 165°F when fully cooked.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! All ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your bacon and spices for any additives.
Any tips on wrapping the bacon neatly? Starting at one end of the tender and spiraling the bacon tightly works best. Use toothpicks to secure if bacon feels loose or unravels during baking.