If you’re on the hunt for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible flavors, then look no further! Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a mouthwatering blend of tender chicken tenders, crispy turkey bacon, and a delicious brown sugar glaze that will keep everyone coming back for more. These chicken tenders are perfect for a family dinner, party appetizer, or a simple weeknight meal. You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together with minimal prep time, and the results will leave everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is a hit for those who enjoy bold flavors, easy preparation, and healthy alternatives to traditional fried chicken tenders. Plus, the use of turkey bacon instead of regular bacon provides a lighter yet still savory crunch to your meal. Let’s dive right into this recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients for Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Gather up the following ingredients to make this mouthwatering dish:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
- 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
These ingredients combine perfectly to create a dish that’s full of flavor, with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a sweet glaze that coats each piece beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to prepare this delicious and easy-to-make recipe! Follow these steps closely to ensure that your chicken tenders come out perfectly every time.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking chicken tenders to perfection, giving you juicy chicken with crispy bacon. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil. This ensures that the chicken won’t stick to the sheet and helps achieve a crispier texture.
Prepare the Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. The brown sugar is the star of this seasoning mix, bringing sweetness to balance the savory chicken and crispy bacon. The paprika adds a smokiness, while the garlic and onion powders bring in layers of flavor. This simple but flavorful seasoning blend is all you need to make your chicken tenders truly shine.
Season the Chicken Tenders
Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Be sure they’re not overcrowded to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, ensuring that each piece is coated well. The sugar will create a lovely glaze as it bakes, giving the chicken a sweet and savory crust. Gently press the seasoning into the chicken to help it stick.
Add the Turkey Bacon
Once the chicken tenders are seasoned, it’s time to add the crumbled turkey bacon on top. After cooking the bacon, crumble it into small pieces, and evenly sprinkle it over the chicken. The turkey bacon adds a crispy texture and a burst of smoky flavor, elevating the overall taste of the dish. It’s the perfect complement to the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the turkey bacon is crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked safely. Depending on your oven, you may need to check the chicken a few minutes earlier or later, but the turkey bacon should be golden and crisp by the end of cooking.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the chicken remains tender and juicy. Serve the Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, whether that’s ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. The crispy bacon and sweet glaze will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values for this delicious dish:
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
These turkey bacon brown sugar chicken tenders are high in protein and relatively low in carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for a healthy, satisfying meal. If you want to reduce the sodium content, consider using low-sodium turkey bacon or adjusting the amount of salt you add to the seasoning.
Best Sides to Pair with Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
While the chicken tenders themselves are a showstopper, pairing them with the right sides will elevate the meal even further. Here are some ideas for delicious and complementary sides:
Roasted Vegetables
A simple roasted vegetable medley of Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the chicken tenders. The natural sweetness of the vegetables complements the brown sugar glaze, making for a balanced and wholesome meal.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are always a classic choice, and their creamy texture works beautifully with the crispy chicken tenders. Try adding a bit of garlic and Parmesan to the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
Fresh Garden Salad
If you want something light and refreshing, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the chicken. The freshness of the veggies balances the richness of the bacon and brown sugar, keeping the meal from feeling too heavy.
Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Fries
For a more indulgent side, consider serving crispy fries or sweet potato fries alongside your chicken tenders. The salty crunch of the fries is the perfect match for the sweetness and smokiness of the chicken, making for a crowd-pleasing combo.
Tips for the Best Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Use Thin-Cut Turkey Bacon
For the best texture and crispiness, opt for thin-cut turkey bacon. Thin bacon will crisp up faster and provide that delightful crunch we all love, without the chewy texture that thicker bacon can sometimes have.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
Make sure to arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer with a little space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, and your chicken won’t get that perfect crisp texture. If you need to, use two baking sheets to ensure proper cooking.
Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the seasoning mix. The sweetness of the brown sugar is what makes this dish unique, but you can customize it to your personal preference.
Make It Spicy
For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This adds a spicy kick that complements the sweet brown sugar glaze and the smoky turkey bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in place of chicken tenders. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized strips to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as chicken breasts tend to be thicker than tenders.
Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time by seasoning the chicken and adding the turkey bacon. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just bake them as directed for an easy and quick dinner.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp up the bacon again. You can also microwave them, but the bacon won’t be as crispy.
Can I Freeze Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders! Simply place the cooled tenders in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Conclusion
Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a must-try for anyone who loves a good balance of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and a quick bake time, you can enjoy a flavorful, protein-packed meal in no time. The combination of crispy turkey bacon, sweet brown sugar glaze, and juicy chicken is nothing short of delicious.
Serve these tenders with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Try them out today, and watch as they become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes, such as:
- One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Honey Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos
Enjoy your Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders and happy cooking!
Print
Easy Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. With crispy turkey bacon and a brown sugar seasoning, these tenders are a crowd-pleasing dinner idea that’s easy to make in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
- 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, coating them well.
- Sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon pieces over the seasoned chicken tenders.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the turkey bacon is crispy.
- Serve the Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to crumbled the turkey bacon into small pieces to get an even distribution over the chicken.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the tenders for the last 2 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- These tenders are perfect when paired with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (2-3 tenders)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Turkey bacon chicken tenders, brown sugar chicken, savory chicken tenders, crispy turkey bacon recipe, sweet and savory chicken tenders