There’s something universally irresistible about the pairing of crispy bacon and tender chicken. When you add the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, you elevate these classic ingredients into a crave-worthy appetizer or main dish. Whether you’re preparing for game day, a backyard party, or simply a fun family dinner, Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders offer the perfect combination of flavor and texture. They’re crispy, juicy, smoky, sweet, and just a little sticky in the best way possible.
Let’s dive into a full guide for making these mouthwatering tenders, from prep to plating, along with tips, serving suggestions, and ways to make them your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Sweet meets savory: The brown sugar caramelizes around the bacon and chicken for a sticky-sweet glaze with a salty balance.
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Easy to prep: With minimal chopping and simple wrapping, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced skills.
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Customizable heat level: Add cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick, or keep it mild for picky eaters.
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Perfect for parties: These bite-sized delights are easy to serve and pair well with dips, drinks, and side dishes.
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Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Everyone loves bacon—and when it’s wrapped around tender chicken and coated with brown sugar? Irresistible.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Here’s what you need, measured in US cups and standard kitchen spoons:
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2 cups raw chicken breast, cut into strips (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
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½ cup light brown sugar, packed
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 cup thick-cut bacon strips (about 8 slices, one per tender)
Optional Ingredients:
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¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for heat
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Toothpicks (to secure bacon wraps if necessary)
Tools You’ll Need
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Cutting board and knife
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Small mixing bowl
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Tongs or fork
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Oven thermometer (optional but helpful)
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Meat thermometer (for doneness check)
How to Prepare Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone mat. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.
Tip: Avoid aluminum foil unless sprayed with nonstick cooking spray—it tends to stick to the caramelized sugar.
Step 2: Slice the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and slice them lengthwise into long, tender-sized strips. You should get 4 strips per chicken breast, giving you about 8 tenders total.
If your chicken strips are uneven in thickness, gently pound them with a mallet or rolling pin between parchment for even cooking.
Step 3: Season and Sugar the Chicken
In a medium bowl, mix together:
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ teaspoon salt
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for added spice.
Toss the chicken strips in this mixture until fully coated. The sugar will start to stick and create a sweet crust.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
Take each chicken tender and wrap it tightly with one slice of thick-cut bacon. Wrap in a spiral fashion to cover the length of the tender. Place the seam side down on the baking sheet. If needed, secure the bacon ends with a toothpick to keep it from unraveling during baking.
Tip: For even cooking, make sure the bacon isn’t overlapping too heavily—this ensures better crisping.
Step 5: Sprinkle Extra Sugar
If there’s leftover brown sugar mixture in your bowl, sprinkle it over the tops of the wrapped tenders. This enhances caramelization during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the tenders in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp, the sugar is caramelized, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
To ensure even crisping, you can rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tenders rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the bacon to firm up slightly for a better bite.
Serve warm with dipping sauces such as:
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Ranch dressing
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Honey mustard
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Hot honey
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Maple syrup
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Chipotle mayo
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–370 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the brand of bacon, sugar, and chicken used.
Tips for Success
Get Crispier Bacon
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Bake directly on a wire rack over a baking sheet for better airflow.
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Broil the tenders for the final 2 minutes of cooking—just watch carefully to prevent burning.
Add Crunch
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For extra crunch, press the bacon slices into panko breadcrumbs before wrapping them around the chicken.
Make It Spicy
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Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the brown sugar mix.
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Drizzle with spicy honey or serve with Buffalo dipping sauce.
Make It Smoky
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Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder in your sugar mixture.
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Opt for applewood-smoked bacon for even more depth.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Want to prep these ahead for a party or busy night? You can:
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Slice, season, and wrap the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
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Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and refrigerate.
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When ready, bake as directed—no extra steps needed.
These also reheat well, making them ideal for party prep.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing Leftovers
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
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Place on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
Avoid microwaving if possible—it will soften the bacon.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to serve them:
As an Appetizer
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On a platter with dipping sauces and toothpicks
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Paired with deviled eggs and veggie sticks
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As part of a game day spread
As a Main Dish
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With mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries
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Over a bed of rice or creamy polenta
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With a side salad and dinner rolls
For Brunch
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On waffles or pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup
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With scrambled eggs and fruit salad
Pairing Ideas
Complement your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with drinks and sides like:
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Sweet tea or sparkling lemonade
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Beer (especially lagers or amber ales)
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Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
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Mac and cheese or baked beans
Variations and Upgrades
Use Turkey Bacon
For a lighter version, try wrapping the tenders in turkey bacon. Note that it won’t get quite as crispy, so broiling may help.
Go Low-Sugar
Replace brown sugar with a low-glycemic sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol blends for a keto-friendly version.
Add Cheese
Insert a small slice of cheddar or pepper jack under the bacon before wrapping for a gooey surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes! Preheat your grill to medium-high, and cook the tenders for about 6–8 minutes per side, using indirect heat to avoid flare-ups.
Can I freeze them?
While best fresh, they can be frozen after baking. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Do I need toothpicks?
Not always, but they help if your bacon doesn’t stay wrapped. Just be sure to remove them before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders deliver the ultimate in sweet-and-savory flavor with very little effort. Whether you’re whipping them up as a quick weeknight meal or planning a game day menu, they’re sure to impress. The crispy bacon, the juicy chicken, and that glossy brown sugar glaze—it’s a trio that never disappoints.
They’re fun to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable. Make a big batch—you’ll wish you had leftovers.