Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving a combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, then these Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are just what you need! This recipe combines tender chicken strips wrapped in beef bacon, coated in a delicious brown sugar mixture that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. These chicken tenders are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. With a mix of sweet and salty flavors, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Best of all, they’re easy to make with just a few ingredients, but they taste like a gourmet treat!

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a baking rack on top of the baking sheet if you have one, as this will help the chicken tenders cook evenly.

Prepare the Brown Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt (if using). Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Wrap the Chicken Tenders:

Take a chicken tender and wrap a slice of beef bacon around it, securing the end with a toothpick to keep the bacon in place.

Repeat with each chicken tender until they’re all wrapped.

Coat with Brown Sugar Mixture:

Gently roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. The brown sugar will create a caramelized, slightly crispy coating on the bacon as it cooks.

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Arrange on Baking Sheet:

Place each coated chicken tender on the prepared baking rack or directly on the lined baking sheet. Leave a little space between each tender to ensure even cooking.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve: Once done, remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. These Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are best enjoyed warm, either as a standalone snack or with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch.

Calories and Nutritional Information

Each serving (1 tender) has approximately:

• Calories: 180-200 (depending on exact ingredients and portion size)
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 300mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.)

Tips for Perfect Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Use a Baking Rack: A baking rack allows the chicken tenders to cook evenly and prevents the bacon from sitting in excess grease. This results in crispier bacon.

Adjust Seasoning: Depending on the saltiness of your bacon, you may want to omit or reduce the added salt. Always taste the bacon first if you’re unsure.

Don’t Overcoat with Sugar: While it’s tempting to add extra sugar for a more caramelized crust, too much sugar can cause the coating to burn. A light coating works best.

Experiment with Spices: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture. You can also try adding a touch of ground cumin or chili powder for a smoky kick.

Dipping Sauces: These chicken tenders go great with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. Serve them with a variety of sauces to add more flavor options.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the tenders and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or for planning appetizers in advance.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

Air Fryer: To cook these tenders in an air fryer, set it to 370°F (190°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Grill: For a smoky flavor, grill the bacon-wrapped tenders over medium heat, turning occasionally until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Ingredients

Make sure all your ingredients are ready. If you’re using chicken breast, cut it into strips to resemble tenders. Measure the spices and brown sugar, and prepare the toothpicks for securing the bacon.

Step 2: Mix the Brown Sugar Coating

Combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and any additional spices in a small bowl. This mixture will give the tenders a sweet, smoky flavor.

Step 3: Wrap the Chicken in Bacon

Take a slice of beef bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to ensure it stays in place during cooking.

Step 4: Coat the Tenders in Sugar Mixture

Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. The sugar will caramelize as it bakes, creating a sweet and savory crust.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place each coated tender on a prepared baking sheet, preferably with a baking rack. Leave space between each piece to allow even cooking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the tenders in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The bacon should be crispy, and the chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and remove the toothpicks. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors.

Variations and Add-Ons

Spicy Brown Sugar Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a little heat.

Honey Glazed: Drizzle a bit of honey over the tenders during the last 5 minutes of baking for a sticky, sweet glaze.

Herb Twist: Add finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the sugar mixture for a fragrant, earthy flavor.

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Why You’ll Love These Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and bacon adds a deliciously balanced sweet and salty flavor that’s hard to resist.

Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and great for quick meals.

Perfect for Parties: These tenders are the ultimate party food, as they’re easy to eat with your hands and loved by guests of all ages.

Customizable: With simple changes to the seasoning, you can make these tenders spicy, smoky, or even herb-infused.

Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone will love these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with:

• Dipping Sauces: Honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli are excellent choices for dipping.
• Side Dishes: Pair with a simple salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Drinks: Serve with a cold beer or sparkling lemonade to balance the sweet and savory flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Beef Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are an easy, tasty way to elevate your snack or appetizer game. With tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and a delicious brown sugar coating, these tenders are bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a gathering, or a weekend treat, they’re sure to impress. Plus, with their versatility, you can customize the recipe to suit any occasion or taste preference.

Try these out, and enjoy the blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!