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

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, then you’re in for a treat! These Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe are the perfect dish to whip up on a busy weeknight or to impress family and friends at gatherings. With just five simple ingredients, you’ll have juicy chicken tenders coated in sweet and savory flavors that everyone will adore.

What makes this recipe even more special is how quickly it comes together. You can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Plus, they make for fantastic leftovers – if there are any left!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe only requires 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory flavor combination, ensuring no leftovers!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these tenders ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to eat.
• Versatile Flavor: The blend of bacon and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering taste that shines in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Let’s gather what we need to create this mouthwatering dish!

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

Variations

The beauty of these chicken tenders is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors or dietary preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders for a different texture.
• Add a kick: Mix in some cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy twist!
• Go green: Toss in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten up the flavors.
• Try different sugars: Experiment with coconut sugar or maple sugar for an alternative sweetness.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken tenders will cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, add your chicken tenders, bacon bits, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until each chicken piece is fully coated with all those delicious ingredients. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

Step 3: Arrange Chicken

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken tenders on the sheet in a single layer, giving each piece some space. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking.

Step 4: Bake

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven! Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon bits are nice and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes so they don’t overcook.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C). This step guarantees that your tenders are safe to eat while remaining juicy and flavorful.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and satisfying.

Enjoy your Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe

Creating the perfect chicken tenders is easier than you might think, and these pro tips will help you achieve delicious results every time!

• Use fresh chicken tenders: Fresh chicken tends to be juicier and more flavorful compared to frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even seasoning and cooking.
• Don’t skip the resting period: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps to lock in juices, making your tenders more succulent and flavorful.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the garlic powder and black pepper according to your preference. More garlic adds depth, while extra pepper can give it a nice kick!
• Experiment with additional spices: This recipe is fantastic as-is, but you can also try adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne for an extra twist that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Line your baking sheet properly: Using parchment paper not only makes cleanup a breeze but also ensures that the chicken doesn’t stick, helping achieve that perfect crispy texture.

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

Presentation is key when it comes to serving this delightful dish. Here are some ideas that will make your chicken tenders look as amazing as they taste!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkling some fresh parsley over the top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice over the tenders just before serving introduces a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a satisfying crunch and pair beautifully with the sweet flavors of the chicken. They’re easy to make in the oven alongside your tenders!
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting base that complements the savory-sweet profile of the chicken. A hint of garlic elevates their flavor even more.
• Steamed Broccoli: This simple side dish adds a vibrant green touch to your plate while providing a healthy contrast to the richness of the tenders.
• Mixed Green Salad: Toss together some greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpart that balances out the meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a fantastic meal that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite of your Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe is not only simple to make but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious tenders.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking, to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cooked chicken tenders cool down.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, but they may lose some crispiness.

FAQs

Have questions about this recipe? Here are some common queries that might help!

Can I make Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these tenders and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later on. Just follow the storage instructions above.

What can I serve with Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even mashed potatoes. Feel free to get creative with your favorite accompaniments!

How do I ensure my chicken tenders are crispy?

For extra crispiness, make sure your bacon bits are well-cooked before mixing them with the chicken. Also, baking them on parchment paper helps maintain that crunchy texture!

Can I use different seasonings?

Yes! While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with other spices or herbs that you enjoy. Paprika or cayenne pepper could add a nice kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Easy Homemade Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders as much as I do! They’re not just tasty; they’re a simple way to bring joy to family dinners or meal prep days. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out and share your experience – I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Happy cooking!