Craving a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and delicious? Look no further than these quick homemade bacon brown sugar chicken tenders made with crispy bacon and brown sugar, perfect for a family favorite meal, save for later

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken strips coated in a sweet and savory blend of brown sugar and crispy bacon. This delightful dish, Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, is not only a flavor sensation but also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and everyday ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend meal, or even as a snack for a gathering, this recipe combines the best of both worlds: the simplicity of a homemade meal and the wow factor of a restaurant-quality dish. With its creative use of bacon and brown sugar, it’s a recipe that will leave everyone asking for more.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of bacon, brown sugar, and chicken creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both sweet and savory, making it appealing to a wide range of tastes. Moreover, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making it accessible to everyone.
Ease of preparation: This recipe is remarkably straightforward. With a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy days when you need something quick but still want to impress.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the dish presents beautifully, especially when the crispy bacon and the caramelized brown sugar are perfectly balanced. This makes it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or special occasions without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders include chicken breasts, bacon, brown sugar, olive oil, and your choice of seasonings. The chicken breasts should be boneless and skinless for the best results. Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a slightly healthier option, and brown sugar can be replaced with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Olive oil is used for cooking, but avocado oil or any other oil with a high smoke point can be used as a substitute. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer can be added to taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into strips, chop the bacon into small pieces, and measure out the brown sugar and any seasonings you’re using.
Step 2: Cook the chopped bacon in a pan over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the grease behind, and set it aside. In the same pan, add a bit of olive oil if necessary, then add the chicken strips. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and any other seasonings you like. Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the brown sugar mixture to coat, then return the crispy bacon to the pan, tossing everything together to combine.
Step 4: Serve the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders hot. You can garnish with additional bacon bits, chopped scallions, or serve with your favorite dipping sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a side salad.

Handy Tips

For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the bacon-wrapped chicken strips in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the bacon adhere better to the chicken.
Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through but still juicy. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and less enjoyable.
Experiment with different seasonings in the brown sugar mixture. A bit of cayenne pepper can add a nice spicy kick, while smoked paprika can give a smoky flavor.

Heat Control

When cooking the chicken and bacon, it’s essential to control the heat to achieve the perfect crispiness and to prevent burning. For cooking the bacon, medium heat is ideal, as it allows the bacon to crisp up slowly and evenly. When cooking the chicken, ensure the pan is not too hot, as this can burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked. A medium to medium-high heat is usually perfect for cooking chicken strips, depending on their size and your stove’s power.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy bacon and the caramelized brown sugar. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure the bacon is cooked until it’s crispy and golden. For the brown sugar, cooking it briefly with the chicken and bacon can help caramelize it slightly, adding to the crunch and flavor of the dish. If you prefer an extra crunchy coating, you can also try baking the chicken strips in the oven for a few minutes after cooking them in the pan.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature. This is especially useful if you’re deep-frying the chicken strips for an extra crispy exterior.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken strips in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of browning.
For easier cleanup, line your pans with foil before cooking the bacon. This will catch any grease spills and make disposing of the bacon fat much simpler.

Storage Tips

Leftover Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or a pan until warmed through.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked chicken strips. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when needed.
When reheating, add a bit of oil to the pan to prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also add a bit more brown sugar on top of the chicken during reheating to refresh the flavor.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, perhaps for a potluck or as a meal for a friend, consider packaging them in a decorative container or bag. You can wrap the chicken strips in parchment paper or aluminum foil and place them in a gift basket filled with other goodies like dipping sauces, salads, or sides. Adding a ribbon or a gift card with the recipe or cooking instructions can make it a thoughtful and personalized gift.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Try adding some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or garlic powder for an aromatic twist.
🌟 Creative toppings: Serve the chicken tenders with a variety of toppings like diced onions, sour cream, salsa, or shredded cheese to let everyone customize their meal.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, or use different types of sugar like honey or maple syrup for a distinct flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your chicken turns out dry, it might be overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time or using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature without overcooking.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make a substitute by mixing white sugar with a bit of molasses. For bacon, you can use pancetta or prosciutto as alternatives.
Over/undercooking signs: Check the chicken regularly while it’s cooking. If it’s white and firm to the touch, it’s cooked. If it’s still pink or soft, it needs more cooking time.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken strips for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when needed.
Is it gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients and cook in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With their unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of bacon, brown sugar, and chicken in every bite.

Crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders