The Art of Perfect Sweet & Savory Comfort Food Mastery

Perfect Chicken Preparation

Master the technique of properly seasoning and preparing chicken tenders for optimal flavor absorption and even cooking throughout.

Bacon Wrapping Mastery

Learn the art of wrapping chicken with bacon to ensure even coverage, secure attachment, and optimal crisping without overcooking chicken.

Brown Sugar Glaze Excellence

Perfect the balance of sweet and savory elements in the glaze while achieving ideal consistency for coating and caramelization.

Timing and Temperature Control

Master precise cooking times and temperatures to achieve crispy bacon exterior while maintaining juicy, perfectly cooked chicken interior.

Glazing and Finishing Technique

Learn proper glazing technique and timing for beautiful caramelized finish without burning, plus elegant presentation methods.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Bacon Selection: Use thick-cut bacon for best results - it crisps better and provides more flavor and texture contrast.

Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety.

Glaze Timing: Apply glaze near the end of cooking to prevent burning while still achieving beautiful caramelization.

Rack Method: Using a wire rack allows air circulation for crispier bacon and prevents soggy bottoms.

Rest Period: Let tenders rest 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Make-Ahead: Tenders can be wrapped and refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking - add 5 minutes to baking time if cold.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: Ultimate Sweet & Savory Crispy Perfection

Name: Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: Ultimate Sweet & Savory Crispy Perfection
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Chicken Preparation:; 2 lbs chicken tenderloins (or 6 large chicken breasts cut into strips); 12-15 strips thick-cut bacon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; For Brown Sugar Glaze:; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons butter; For Coating (Optional):; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; For Garnish and Serving:; 2 green onions, sliced thin; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; Lemon wedges for serving; For Side Accompaniments:

The most irresistibly delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders you'll ever make - perfectly tender chicken strips wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with caramelized brown sugar coating, golden-brown perfection, sweet and salty balance, juicy interior with crispy exterior, easy weeknight dinner, family-friendly favorite, restaurant-quality flavor, perfectly seasoned with aromatic spices, beautifully caramelized finish, and incredibly satisfying comfort food that brings together the best of bacon's smokiness with brown sugar's sweetness, creating the ultimate chicken tender experience that's so delicious it'll become your go-to recipe with every perfectly balanced bite that tastes like pure comfort food heaven at home.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For Chicken Preparation:

2 lbs chicken tenderloins (or 6 large chicken breasts cut into strips)

12-15 strips thick-cut bacon

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

For Brown Sugar Glaze:

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons butter

For Coating (Optional):

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnish and Serving:

2 green onions, sliced thin

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Lemon wedges for serving

For Side Accompaniments:

Mashed potatoes

Roasted vegetables

Coleslaw

Baked beans

For Dipping Sauces:

Ranch dressing

Honey mustard

BBQ sauce

Spicy mayo

For Equipment Needed:

Large baking sheet

Wire cooling rack

Aluminum foil

Meat thermometer

Small saucepan

For Make-Ahead Options:

Plastic wrap for marinating

Refrigerator storage containers

Freezer bags for prep

For Flavor Variations:

Maple syrup instead of honey

Chipotle powder for heat

Orange zest for brightness

Rosemary for herbal notes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with foil, then place a wire rack on top.

Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels and season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

If using coating, combine flour, panko, Parmesan, thyme, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.

Wrap each seasoned chicken tender with 1-2 strips of bacon, securing ends with toothpicks if needed.

If using coating, lightly dredge bacon-wrapped tenders in flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Arrange wrapped tenders on the wire rack, ensuring they don't touch each other for even cooking.

Bake for 15 minutes, then flip tenders carefully to cook other side.

While chicken bakes, prepare glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in small saucepan.

Bring glaze mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.

Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth and glossy.

After chicken has cooked 25 minutes total, brush generously with brown sugar glaze on all sides.

Return to oven for 5-8 more minutes until bacon is crispy and chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze.

Remove toothpicks if used and garnish with sliced green onions, parsley, and sesame seeds.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces while hot and crispy.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: Ultimate Sweet & Savory Crispy Perfection

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Sweet & Savory Comfort Food Mastery

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: Ultimate Sweet & Savory Crispy Perfection

Ingredients

Instructions