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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and smoky flavors all at once, then you’re in for a treat with this Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy turkey bacon, sprinkled generously with a brown sugar seasoning mix that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests, this recipe brings comforting flavors and a touch of elegance to your table. Trust me, once you try these tenders, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe shines because of its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that irresistible combination of flavors and textures—from the tender chicken to the smoky turkey bacon and the sweet, spiced brown sugar crust.
- 1 pound chicken tenders: Opt for fresh, tender strips of chicken as the main protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 8 slices turkey bacon: Lighter than traditional bacon but still smoky and flavorful, perfect for wrapping the chicken.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: This adds a sweet caramelized crust that balances the savory elements beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Delivers a subtle sweetness and sharpness, boosting the overall seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and a lovely reddish hue to the coating.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors and that perfect seasoning balance.
- Cooking spray or olive oil: For greasing the pan and helping those tenders develop a crispy finish while baking.
How to Make Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before you start, gather all your ingredients and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This little tip not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps your tenders cook evenly without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key for achieving that perfect crisp on the turkey bacon while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Step 3: Dry the Chicken Tenders
Pat your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This step is important because removing extra moisture helps the brown sugar mixture stick better and ensures a nice caramelization later on.
Step 4: Mix the Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend is the heart of the Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe, providing that signature sweet and smoky flavor with a touch of warmth.
Step 5: Wrap the Chicken
Take each chicken tender and wrap it tightly with a slice of turkey bacon. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed. Wrapping the chicken in bacon ensures every bite has that satisfying smoky crispness alongside tender meat.
Step 6: Coat in the Sugar Mixture
Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the brown sugar seasoning mix. Make sure the coating is even and generous—this is what will caramelize in the oven and create that crave-worthy outer layer.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow even heat circulation. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure the sugar doesn’t burn but forms a golden crust.
How to Serve Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and smoky tenders.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad all complement the richness of the bacon and sweetness of the brown sugar. For a lighter touch, serve alongside steamed green beans or a tangy coleslaw.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these tenders as finger food at parties with a side of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy aioli. Alternatively, chop them up and toss into a warm grain bowl with quinoa and roasted veggies to turn this Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe into a wholesome meal bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tenders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They remain delicious for up to 3 days and make for a convenient, flavorful lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-friendly bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crisp bacon texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon works just as well and lends a richer, smokier flavor. Just be mindful of the additional fat and adjust cooking time if needed to avoid excessive grease.
Is it necessary to wrap the chicken tenders with bacon?
Wrapping the tenders in turkey bacon keeps the chicken moist and adds that irresistible smoky crisp layer. You could skip it, but the dish won’t have quite the same texture and flavor impact.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air frying at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes works well. Just make sure to flip halfway through for even cooking and crispiness.
What dips go best with the Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo complement the sweet and smoky flavors perfectly. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite!
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your garlic and onion powders to be certain they don’t contain added fillers. Also, ensure your cooking spray or olive oil is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, bringing together simple ingredients for a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, these tenders offer a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and smoky that’s hard to resist. I can’t recommend it enough—go ahead, try it out and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a deliciously sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken wrapped in smoky turkey bacon, coated with a flavorful brown sugar spice mix, and baked to perfection. This simple 7-step recipe yields crispy, juicy tenders that are perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Seasonings
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional
- 8 slices turkey bacon
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels thoroughly to help the seasoning stick better.
- Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing until evenly blended.
- Wrap Chicken: Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of turkey bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed to hold the bacon in place during cooking.
- Coat with Seasoning: Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar seasoning mixture, ensuring it is well coated on all sides.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned tenders spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Bake: Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure chicken tenders are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Using turkey bacon reduces fat content compared to regular bacon, making this recipe lighter.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serving suggestion: pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- To make this recipe gluten free, verify that all seasonings and bacon are gluten free.
