Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with brown sugar goodness—perfect for dinner, parties, or game night!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: Approx. 480 per serving

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional, for a little heat)
Cooking spray or a little olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Sugar Mixture
In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chili powder (if using).
Assemble the Chicken
Place the chicken tenders in the baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the chicken.
Add the Bacon
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon generously over the chicken tenders, pressing it lightly so it sticks to the sugar coating.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is caramelized and slightly crispy.
(Internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C.)
Optional Broil Step
For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch closely so the sugar doesn’t burn.