What the heck is this?
You ever had something so simple and so good it almost feels like cheating? That’s these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. We’re talking juicy strips of chicken wrapped in smoky bacon, rolled in brown sugar and spices, then baked until they’re sticky, crispy, and caramelized to perfection. It’s like candy met chicken and they fell in love in your oven. These babies are wildly addictive, finger-lickin’ good, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “just one more.” Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or any situation where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Three ingredients, maximum payoff
Sweet, salty, smoky — all the flavor bases covered
No deep frying or messy prep
Kids, adults, and picky eaters all go crazy for it
Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or sneaky midnight fridge raids
Bakes up in under 30 minutes
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless skinless breasts cut into strips)
• 1 lb bacon (thin-cut works best for wrapping)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of cayenne for a little heat
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil (trust me, cleanup will be so much easier). Set a wire rack on top if you’ve got one — it helps the bacon crisp up evenly.
Step 2: Season the Sugar
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Step 3: Wrap It Up
Take each chicken tender and wrap it with a slice of bacon. If the tenders are small, use half a slice of bacon. Tuck the ends underneath or secure with toothpicks if needed.
Step 4: Roll & Coat
Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mix, pressing lightly so it sticks. Arrange them on the wire rack with a little space in between.
Step 5: Bake That Magic
Pop them in the oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is bubbly and caramelized. If needed, broil for the last 2–3 minutes to get that perfect crispy finish.
Step 6: Cool (Just a Little)
Let them rest for 5 minutes — hot sugar is basically lava. Then dig in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with ranch or honey mustard for dipping
Pair with sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad
Chop up leftovers and throw on a salad or sandwich
Great for party platters with skewers or toothpicks
Switch It Up
Make it spicy: Add more cayenne or brush with sriracha before baking
Go smoky: Use smoked brown sugar or chipotle powder
Try turkey bacon if you want a leaner version
Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness
Make-Ahead Tips
Wrap and coat the tenders ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake
Freeze fully assembled raw tenders — just thaw and bake when you need them
Cooked leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer to keep that crisp
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yep! Just cut into strips — thighs are juicy and work great with bacon.
Q: Can I make these in the air fryer?
A: Absolutely. 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on that sugar.
Q: What if I don’t have a wire rack?
A: No worries — bake directly on the foil but expect a little more caramelization on the bottom (not a bad thing).
Q: Can I prep these ahead?
A: Totally. Wrap and sugar-coat the tenders, then store in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: Sweet, Salty, Sizzlin’ Magic on a Plate
- Total Time: 58 minute
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
You ever had something so simple and so good it almost feels like cheating? That’s these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. We’re talking juicy strips of chicken wrapped in smoky bacon, rolled in brown sugar and spices, then baked until they’re sticky, crispy, and caramelized to perfection. It’s like candy met chicken and they fell in love in your oven. These babies are wildly addictive, finger-lickin’ good, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “just one more.” Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or any situation where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless skinless breasts cut into strips)
• 1 lb bacon (thin-cut works best for wrapping)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of cayenne for a little heat
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil (trust me, cleanup will be so much easier). Set a wire rack on top if you’ve got one — it helps the bacon crisp up evenly.
Step 2: Season the Sugar
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Step 3: Wrap It Up
Take each chicken tender and wrap it with a slice of bacon. If the tenders are small, use half a slice of bacon. Tuck the ends underneath or secure with toothpicks if needed.
Step 4: Roll & Coat
Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar mix, pressing lightly so it sticks. Arrange them on the wire rack with a little space in between.
Step 5: Bake That Magic
Pop them in the oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is bubbly and caramelized. If needed, broil for the last 2–3 minutes to get that perfect crispy finish.
Step 6: Cool (Just a Little)
Let them rest for 5 minutes — hot sugar is basically lava. Then dig in.
Notes
Serve with ranch or honey mustard for dipping
Pair with sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad
Chop up leftovers and throw on a salad or sandwich
Great for party platters with skewers or toothpicks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
- Protein: ~35g per serving