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Caramelized Bacon and Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders bring bold sweet savory flavor to a weeknight or party spread. My family devours them every single time and I am always amazed at how fast they disappear from the platter. These take simple everyday ingredients and turn them into something completely irresistible.
I still remember the first time I tried this recipe at a birthday party. I have tweaked it over the years and now it is my go to when I want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: choose fresh plump pieces for maximum juiciness and tenderness
- Bacon: smoky thick cut pieces bring craveworthy flavor and crispiness
- Brown sugar: this gives the glaze a lovely molasses sweetness and caramel color try to use dark brown sugar for even richer flavor
- Dijon mustard: adds a gentle tang and depth balancing the sweetness select a quality Dijon for best results
- Olive oil: for browning the bacon and bringing the flavors together extra virgin adds a fruitier note
- Salt and pepper: enhance all the flavors I like using flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Preheat
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit This keeps cleanup easy and ensures the chicken does not stick
- Mix the Glaze
- Combine brown sugar Dijon mustard salt and pepper in a bowl Stir until you get a thick even paste that will coat every tender
- Crisp the Bacon
- Chop the bacon and cook in a pan over medium heat Use olive oil and let it get truly crisp about 5 to 7 minutes Stir often for even browning Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a towel
- Coat the Chicken
- Pat chicken tenders dry Brush or toss generously with the brown sugar Dijon glaze Make sure every side is coated then sprinkle cooked bacon bits over each piece for both texture and flavor in every bite
- Bake to Perfection
- Arrange the glazed and bacon topped chicken on your sheet Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon bits sizzle and the chicken turns golden The sugar should be bubbling and caramelized Test one to be sure it is juicy and fully cooked
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I never tire of the crispy edges the brown sugar creates I have even packed leftovers in my kids lunches and they come home asking for more. My youngest always sneaks extra bacon bits while I am prepping and I cannot blame her.
Storage tips
Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to revive the bacon’s crispiness Do not microwave if you want the edges to stay caramelized
Ingredient substitutions
Turkey bacon can be swapped in for pork bacon if you prefer something lighter Maple syrup can take the place of brown sugar for a different sweetness and honey mustard works if you are out of Dijon
Serving suggestions
Pile them on a platter and serve with toothpicks for parties These chicken tenders go well with roasted veggies mac and cheese or on top of a salad for a sweet and savory twist
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Cultural highlights
Bacon wrapped or glazed chicken dishes have roots in Southern cooking where sweet and smoky flavors are often paired The brown sugar caramelization is a classic barbecue and comfort food technique
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overbaking; check for doneness at 20 minutes. Covering loosely with foil can help retain moisture.
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, slice chicken breasts into strips for similar texture and adjust baking time as needed.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Try serving with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors.
- → Can turkey bacon be used as a substitute?
Turkey bacon can replace regular bacon, though the flavor will be slightly lighter and less fatty.
- → How do I make the glaze stick better to the chicken?
Pat the chicken dry before coating, and bake immediately after glazing to help the mixture adhere well.