Caramelized Bacon and Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

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Caramelized Bacon and Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: A Sweet & Savory Delight!

Get ready for an irresistible flavor explosion with these Caramelized Bacon and Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders! This dish takes tender chicken and transforms it into a gourmet experience, coated in a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze, then generously topped with savory, crispy bacon bits. It’s a fantastic blend of sweet and salty that’s incredibly easy to make but delivers big on taste, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun family meal!

These chicken tenders are a true crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful contrast between the caramelized sweetness of the glaze and the smoky crunch of the bacon. They’re juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making them a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips)
  • 6 strips bacon, chopped
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment:

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Tongs

Directions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until well combined and smooth. This creates your sweet and savory glaze.
  3. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, add the 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s crispy. Remove the crispy bacon bits with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess grease. Set aside.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl. Pour the prepared brown sugar glaze over the chicken, tossing gently with tongs or your hands until each tender is thoroughly coated.
  5. Add Bacon & Arrange: Sprinkle the cooked, crispy bacon bits evenly over the glazed chicken tenders, pressing them gently to adhere. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch too much to allow for even caramelization.
  6. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the glaze is lightly caramelized and sticky.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your delightful sweet and savory chicken tenders!

Tips & Variations:

  • Extra Crispy Bacon: For even crispier bacon, you can bake it on a separate pan in the oven until perfectly done, then crumble.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the brown sugar glaze for a hint of heat.
  • Honey Swap: For a slightly different sweetness, you can substitute half of the brown sugar with honey.
  • Make Ahead: The glaze can be mixed a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Cook the bacon just before assembling and baking for optimal crispiness.
  • Serving Suggestions: These tenders are fantastic on their own, but also great chopped up and added to salads, wraps, or even as a topping for mac and cheese.

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