Introduction
Delight in these sweet and savory Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, a perfect mix of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. This easy-to-make dish is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 500g)
100g brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (about 3g)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (about 0.5g)
8 strips of bacon (approx. 240g)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast into 4 long, thin strips.
Season: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture until well-coated.
Wrap: Wrap each chicken tender in a strip of bacon and arrange them in a baking dish.
Add Extra Flavor: Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar over the wrapped chicken tenders.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Enjoy this extraordinary blend of sweet and savory flavors in your next meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken tenders.
Prepare Chicken
Take the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice each one into four long, thin strips. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
Season
In a mixing bowl, combine 100g of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Toss the chicken strips in this sweet and savory mixture, ensuring each strip is completely coated.
Wrap
Take an 8-inch strip of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender, covering it thoroughly. Place the wrapped tenders neatly in a baking dish, side by side.
Add Extra Flavor
Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar from the seasoning mixture over the top of the wrapped chicken tenders to enhance the sweetness and flavor as they bake.
Bake
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bacon is crispy and the chicken strips are cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible atmosphere!
Notes
Adjusting Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a bit more brown sugar to the seasoning mixture or sprinkling additional sugar on top before baking.
Bacon Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon, such as maple bacon for an extra layer of sweetness or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Cooking Method
For a crispier finish, you can broil the chicken tenders for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through to maintain the bacon’s crispiness.
Cook techniques
Preparation of Chicken
Slicing chicken breasts into thin strips allows for quicker cooking and better integration of flavors with bacon and brown sugar.
Seasoning
Combining brown sugar, salt, and pepper creates a balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ensure chicken strips are well-coated for maximum flavor.
Bacon Wrapping
Wrapping chicken tenders with bacon ensures moisture retention during cooking while adding a crispy, flavorful exterior.
Baking
Baking at 375°F (190°C) is ideal for evenly cooking the chicken and crisping the bacon without burning it.
Garnishing
Sprinkling remaining brown sugar before baking enhances the sweetness and creates a caramelized crust on the bacon.
FAQ
Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or raw sugar, but the flavor will differ slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders up to the wrapping stage and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
What side dishes pair well with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
These tenders pair nicely with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Is it possible to grill these chicken tenders instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grilling will give a nice smoky flavor; just ensure the bacon is crispy and the chicken is completely cooked through.
Conclusion
Delight in these sweet and savory Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, a dish that combines rich flavors and tender chicken, making it a sure hit for any meal. The crispy bacon and caramelized sugar create a mouthwatering experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these chicken tenders are destined to become a new favorite!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad
Combine your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and drizzled ranch dressing for a delicious and refreshing meal.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Sliders
Transform the chicken tenders into sliders by serving them on soft rolls with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and a dollop of garlic aioli for a fun twist.
Sweet and Savory Chicken Pasta
Toss your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and a light cream sauce for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Grilled Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers
Cut the chicken into cubes and marinate them in the brown sugar mixture. Thread onto skewers with bell peppers and onions for a delightful grilled option.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Brown Sugar Pizza
Create a unique pizza by placing the chicken tenders on a pizza crust, adding cheese, and your favorite veggies for a sweet and savory flavor explosion.
Caramelized Onion Stuffed Chicken
Stuff the chicken breasts with caramelized onions and cheese, then wrap them in bacon and bake for a gourmet twist on the classic dish.
Enjoy experimenting with these variations and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors!
