What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s all about quick and easy homemade meals like these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, made with crispy bacon and a hint of sweetness, perfect for a family favorite dinner. Try making them in the oven for a deliciously easy meal. Save this idea for your next weeknight dinner inspiration.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, juicy chicken tenders smothered in a sweet and savory bacon brown sugar glaze. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you and your family craving for more. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make using everyday ingredients, requiring minimal effort but yielding impressive results. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner solution or an enthusiastic home cook seeking to elevate your meal game, Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect recipe to try.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of bacon, brown sugar, and chicken creates a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Moreover, these ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets, making this dish accessible to anyone.
• Ease of preparation: The recipe involves simple steps that don’t require advanced cooking techniques, making it perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the dish presents beautifully and tastes complex, ensuring you’ll receive compliments without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, bacon, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For the chicken, you can use either fresh or frozen breasts, just ensure they’re thawed before use. 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 frying, but avocado oil or any other oil with a high smoke point can be used as a substitute.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into tender strips, chop the bacon into small pieces, and mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Step 2: Cook the chopped bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the grease behind, and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Step 3: In the same pan with the bacon grease, add a bit of olive oil if necessary, then add the chicken tenders. Cook until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside with the bacon.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, add the mixed brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for a minute, stirring constantly, until the sugar starts to melt and form a glaze. Add the cooked bacon back into the pan and stir to combine. Then, add the cooked chicken tenders back into the pan, tossing them in the bacon brown sugar glaze until they’re fully coated.

Handy Tips

• Always pat dry the chicken with paper towels before cooking to ensure it browns evenly and to prevent steam from building up in the pan.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken tenders in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
• For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken tenders in beaten eggs and then coat them in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese before frying.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken and the bacon. For the bacon, medium heat is ideal to get it crispy without burning. For the chicken, ensure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the tenders. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature, especially if you’re unsure.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy bacon and the potential panko breadcrumb coating on the chicken. To achieve the perfect crunch, ensure the bacon is cooked until it’s crispy and golden, and if using breadcrumbs, don’t overcoat the chicken, as this can make it heavy and greasy rather than light and crunchy.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For easier cleanup, line your pans with foil before cooking the bacon and chicken. This will prevent stubborn grease from sticking to the pan.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for cooking the chicken and bacon. Cast iron retains heat well and can achieve a perfect sear on the chicken.
• Prepare your ingredients in advance. Chop the bacon, mix the brown sugar glaze ingredients, and cut the chicken into tenders ahead of time to make the cooking process smoother and less stressful.

Storage Tips

• Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• For freezing, place the cooled chicken tenders in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these delicious chicken tenders, consider packaging them in decorative paper cones or small gift boxes lined with parchment paper. You can also include a side of your favorite dipping sauce in a small jar or container. Add a ribbon or a gift tag with the recipe name and a personal message for a thoughtful touch.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top your chicken tenders with diced onions, chopped fresh parsley, or grated cheddar cheese for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute chicken with turkey or pork tenders for a different protein option. You can also use different types of sugar like turbinado or Demerara for a slightly different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your chicken tenders turn out too dry, it might be overcooked. Aim for the right internal temperature and don’t overcook. If they’re too greasy, it could be due to overcrowding the pan or not patting the chicken dry before cooking.
• 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’s internal temperature to avoid undercooking. Overcooking will make the chicken dry and tough. For the bacon, crispy edges and a golden color are signs of perfect cooking.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and reheat when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as described is gluten-free, but always check the ingredients of the bacon and any store-bought spices to ensure they haven’t come into contact with gluten.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd. Just ensure you have enough pans or cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.

Conclusion

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy meal solution that combines the best of sweet and savory flavors. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for any home cook looking to impress without the fuss. Feel free to experiment with different spices and toppings to make the dish your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking, and enjoy the delightful flavors of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders!