Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe

Name: Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders; 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon bits; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Published: September 13, 2025

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only five ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of bacon and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering sweet and savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or potlucks—these chicken tenders fit any occasion!
Kid-Friendly: Children will adore the crispy texture and sweet taste, making it easier to get them excited about dinner.
Minimal Cleanup: With just one mixing bowl and a baking sheet required, cleanup is a breeze!

Tools and Preparation

Getting your kitchen ready is essential for making these easy homemade bacon brown sugar chicken tenders. Having the right tools ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without mess.
Baking sheet: Using a baking sheet ensures even cooking and crispiness for your chicken tenders.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
Meat thermometer: This tool helps you check the doneness of the chicken, ensuring it’s cooked safely.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

1 pound chicken tenders
1 cup bacon bits (cooked and crumbled)
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your chicken tenders cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, add:
1. 1 pound chicken tenders
2. 1 cup bacon bits (cooked and crumbled)
3. ½ cup brown sugar
4. ½ teaspoon garlic powder
5. ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with all the ingredients.

Step 3: Arrange Chicken

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken tenders on the sheet in a single layer, allowing space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon bits are crispy.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Make sure to verify that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step ensures they are juicy and flavorful.

With these steps completed, you now have your very own easy homemade bacon brown sugar chicken tenders ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe

Serving these Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is a breeze, and you can pair them with various sides or dips to enhance their flavor. Here are some delightful serving ideas that will impress your family and friends.

With Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing: A creamy option that complements the sweetness of the chicken tenders.
BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the brown sugar.
Honey Mustard: The perfect blend of sweet and tangy for those who love bold flavors.

On a Salad

Mixed Greens Salad: Serve the tenders atop a bed of fresh greens for a light meal.
Caesar Salad: Add them to romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a hearty twist.

In a Wrap

Chicken Tender Wrap: Roll the tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick lunch.
Bacon Avocado Wrap: Combine the chicken tenders with avocado slices and bacon bits for extra crunch.

How to Perfect Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe

Perfecting your Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders takes just a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results every time you make this recipe.

Use Fresh Chicken Tenders: Fresh chicken ensures better texture and flavor compared to frozen options.
Ensure Even Coating: Mix the ingredients well so every piece of chicken gets an even coating of bacon and sugar.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature for even cooking.
Let Them Rest: Allowing the chicken tenders to rest post-baking keeps them juicy by redistributing juices.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy side that adds freshness to balance out the sweetness of the tenders.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and roast until tender for a colorful plate.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and pair well with savory dishes like these tenders.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a sweet, buttery flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness matches well with the brown sugar glaze on your chicken tenders.
Baked Beans: A hearty side that brings an earthy richness, perfect for family gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing chicken tenders too close can lead to steaming instead of baking. Ensure enough space between each piece for optimal crisping.
Ignoring Internal Temperature: Failing to check that the chicken has reached 165°F can result in undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Not Letting Them Rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately can cause juices to run out, making them dry. Allow resting time after baking for juicy tenders.
Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold chicken or other ingredients may affect cooking times and texture. Let everything come to room temperature before mixing.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe

Place tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 30 seconds until hot, but be cautious as this may make them soggy.
Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders so special?

These chicken tenders combine sweet brown sugar with savory bacon for a unique flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.

Can I customize Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

Absolutely! You can add spices or herbs like paprika or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.

How do I ensure my Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are crispy?

Make sure you space them properly on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding, allowing heat circulation for crispiness.

What sides pair well with Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

Consider serving them with a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders is not only quick and simple but also incredibly flavorful. With just five ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or dipping sauces to make it truly your own!

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