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Sweet & Savory Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders – Crispy, Juicy & Flavor-Packed

Take your chicken dinner to the next level with these Sweet & Savory Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky, flavorful bacon and brown sugar glaze, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or game-day snacking. Quick, easy, and irresistible!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American, Comfort Food, Game-Day Snack
Servings 6 (3–4 tenders per person)
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet (or skillet)
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Pastry brush (for glaze)
  • Optional: air fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 4–6 slices bacon (thick-cut recommended)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional add-ins: honey, maple syrup, sriracha, chili flakes
  • Dips: ranch, honey mustard, sriracha mayo

Instructions
 

  • Prep chicken: Trim excess fat, pat dry, and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Optionally marinate for 10–15 minutes.
  • Cook bacon: Fry in skillet or bake in oven until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop.
  • Make glaze: Combine brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped bacon. Add optional honey, maple syrup, or hot sauce if desired.
  • Coat chicken: Brush or layer glaze evenly on tenders.
  • Cook:
    Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
    Skillet: Sear in butter or oil, cover, and cook until done, basting with glaze.
    Air fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Rest & serve: Let chicken rest 2–3 minutes. Serve warm with dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
  • Chewy vs. Crispy: Air fryer or oven baking gives best crispiness; skillet requires careful flipping.
  • Flavor customization: Adjust sweetness or spice by varying brown sugar, honey, or sriracha in glaze.
  • Vegetarian option: Use plant-based chicken strips or tofu and adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Resting is key: Letting chicken rest allows glaze to set and keeps tenders juicy.
Keyword Bacon brown sugar chicken tenders, bacon-glazed chicken, crispy chicken tenders, game night recipes, Party Appetizers, sweet and savory chicken