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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken

Section: Hearty Dinner Recipes

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet to help the bacon crisp evenly. Mix brown sugar with smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a balanced coating. Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of thin-cut bacon, then press the brown sugar blend over the bacon to create a caramelizing crust. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon caramelizes and the chicken reaches 165°F internally. For extra crispiness, briefly broil and watch closely. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for a flavorful meal that’s both sweet and savory.

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Last modified on Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:07:37 GMT
Bacon wrapped chicken with BBQ sauce. Pin it
Bacon wrapped chicken with BBQ sauce. | dinabakery.com

This bacon brown sugar chicken recipe transforms simple chicken tenders into a flavorful, caramelized delight. Wrapping juicy tenders in crispy bacon and coating them with a sugary spice blend creates a perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness that is hard to resist. It is ideal for quick lunches or an impressive weeknight dinner.

I remember making this for a casual family dinner and everyone asked for seconds. It quickly became a favorite in my home, especially for those times I wanted something special with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

  • Chicken tenders: one pound offers tender, lean protein that cooks quickly
  • Thin-cut bacon: eight to ten slices wraps the chicken evenly and crisps nicely
  • Brown sugar: half a cup packed provides sweetness and caramelization
  • Smoked paprika: one teaspoon optional but adds a subtle smoky depth
  • Garlic powder: half a teaspoon enhances flavor with savory notes
  • Black pepper: quarter teaspoon balances sweetness with mild heat
  • Cayenne pepper: a pinch optional for a little spicy kick

Ingredients

Selecting high quality bacon with a good ratio of meat to fat makes all the difference. Also, fresh chicken tenders should be pink and firm to the touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the oven:
Preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows air to circulate for crisping bacon evenly.
Prepare the brown sugar coating:
In a shallow dish, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika if using, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Mix well.
Wrap the chicken tenders:
Take each chicken tender and wrap it tightly with one slice of thin-cut bacon ensuring complete coverage without gaps.
Coat with sugar mixture:
Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar blend carefully pressing to adhere the coating all around evenly.
Bake the tenders:
Arrange the coated tenders on the wire rack. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes flipping once halfway through. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the bacon is caramelized and crisp.
Broil for extra crispiness:
If you want even crispier edges, broil the tenders on high for one to two minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Serve:
Enjoy the bacon brown sugar chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo.
Bacon wrapped chicken with BBQ sauce. Pin it
Bacon wrapped chicken with BBQ sauce. | dinabakery.com

My favorite part is the caramelized brown sugar crust which beautifully contrasts the salty bacon. I remember one afternoon when this dish stole the spotlight at a casual get-together with friends who couldn’t stop raving about the flavors.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving which can soften the bacon.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want less sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly or swap with coconut sugar for a different flavor dimension. Regular paprika works fine if smoked paprika is not available but will reduce smoky notes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. This chicken also pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a tangy coleslaw.

Cultural Context

Bacon wrapped chicken with sauce. Pin it
Bacon wrapped chicken with sauce. | dinabakery.com

Bacon wrapped chicken is a popular American comfort food that showcases the simple pleasure of combining savory and sweet. The use of brown sugar is a common Southern twist adding that caramelized edge that Americans love in barbecue and baked dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bacon works best for this dish?

Thin-cut bacon is ideal as it crisps well and wraps tightly around the chicken without needing long cooking times.

→ Can smoked paprika be omitted?

Yes, smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, but leaving it out still results in a tasty sweet and savory profile.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy inside?

Wrapping the tenders in bacon helps seal moisture, and baking at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F ensures tenderness without drying out.

→ Is there a way to make the sugar glaze richer?

Drizzling the tenders with maple syrup before baking adds a deeper sweetness and enhances caramelization.

→ What tools are recommended for best results?

Use a baking sheet lined with foil, a wire rack for airflow, and tongs to wrap and handle the chicken tenders safely.

→ Can these be served with dipping sauces?

Absolutely, popular choices include ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo which complement the sweet and smoky flavors well.

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken

Juicy chicken tenders wrapped in bacon and coated with a sweet brown sugar glaze for crispy edges.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Preparation Time
40 minutes
By: Dina

Featured in: Dinner

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Number of Portions: 4 Serving Size (4 servings (about 2 tenders each))

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

The Ingredients You'll Need

→ Protein

01 1 lb chicken tenders
02 8 to 10 slices thin-cut bacon

→ Coating

03 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
04 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
05 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 1/4 tsp black pepper
07 Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to promote air circulation and crisp the bacon evenly.

Step 02

In a shallow dish, thoroughly mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.

Step 03

Wrap each chicken tender tightly with one slice of thin-cut bacon, ensuring full coverage for even cooking and flavor infusion.

Step 04

Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres evenly.

Step 05

Arrange tenders on the prepared wire rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Continue until chicken registers an internal temperature of 165°F and bacon is caramelized.

Step 06

For extra crispy edges, broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes, carefully monitoring to avoid burning.

Step 07

Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle mayonnaise.

Extra Tips

  1. For a richer glaze, drizzle tenders with maple syrup prior to baking. Use thin-cut bacon to ensure even cooking and optimum crispiness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Wire rack
  • Shallow dish
  • Tongs or fork

Allergy Information

Check ingredient labels to avoid allergens, and speak to an expert if necessary.
  • Verify all ingredients for allergens and consult a medical professional if unsure.

Nutritional Details (per serving)

These figures are for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional if needed.
  • Calorie Count: 310
  • Fat: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 21 grams