Juicy Chicken Wrapped in Bacon & Caramelized Sugar
These Sweet and Smoky Chicken Tenders are a flavor-packed twist on classic chicken bites—each tender is wrapped in crispy bacon, rolled in brown sugar, and baked to golden perfection. With a hint of garlic and onion, plus the rich warmth of smoked paprika, they’re perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a sticky, savory bite.
A simple, hands-off recipe that delivers bold flavor in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥩 Bacon Armor: Adds smoky depth and helps lock in moisture.
- 🍯 Brown Sugar Crust: Caramelizes during baking for a sticky, golden finish.
- 🧄 Smoky Seasoning: Garlic, onion, and paprika deliver rich, layered flavor.
- ⏱️ Hands-Off Cooking: Just wrap, roll, bake, and broil—no constant attention needed.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Perfect at parties, picnics, or family meals.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast strips (about 16–20 pieces)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (or turkey bacon for lighter version)
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar (for caramelized crust)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 tsp onion powder (or ½ cup finely chopped red onion)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (adds warmth – or regular paprika for milder flavor)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for browning)
- Fresh parsley or chives , chopped (optional – for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it—set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken tenders with:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Seasoning clings best to dry chicken—avoid excess moisture.
Step 3: Wrap in Bacon
Wrap each chicken tender with 1–2 slices of bacon , tucking ends underneath to secure.
Optional: Use toothpicks to hold bacon in place—remove before serving.
Step 4: Sugar Coating Magic
Spread brown sugar in a shallow dish.
Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in sugar, pressing gently to adhere.
Place on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter for even browning.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes , flipping halfway through.
Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and bacon is crisp.
Step 6: Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
For deeper caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes —watch closely to avoid burning.
Remove toothpicks if used.
Step 7: Serve Hot & Sticky
Transfer tenders to a serving plate and drizzle with pan juices for extra sweetness.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Each bite brings together:
- Juicy, tender chicken inside
- Crispy, caramelized bacon-sugar shell
- And that bold smoky-sweet finish
Tips for Success:
- 🥢 Secure with Toothpicks: Helps bacon stay in place, especially with thin strips.
- 🍯 Sugar Hack: Use maple syrup or honey for glaze variation.
- 🧁 Thicker Bacon: Thicker slices crisp up better and hold shape during baking.
- 🥗 Add Veggies: Serve with roasted carrots, corn, or a green salad for balance.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Wrap and refrigerate unbaked tenders—bake fresh when ready.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch for dipping.
- Great with coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- Ideal for game day, school lunches, or late-night snacks.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 4 – approximate):
(With regular bacon and brown sugar – per serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~12g
These Sweet and Smoky Chicken Tenders prove that chicken can be both sticky and savory in one bite. With their crispy bacon shell, caramelized sugar glaze, and bold spices—they’re a must-make for lovers of flavor-forward comfort food.
