Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are sweet savory crispy

Delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Welcome to a flavor-packed journey that redefines your typical chicken tender! These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a harmonious symphony of sweetness and savory goodness. Imagine juicy, tender chicken enveloped in a crispy coating, enhanced by the smokiness of bacon and the rich caramel notes of brown sugar. These tenders are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, making them a perfect dish for family dinners, parties, or a cozy night in. This recipe not only elevates the humble chicken tender, but it also plays beautifully with flavors that everyone loves. It’s a dish I often find myself making, and each time, it brings smiles around the dinner table. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making these irresistible Chicken Tenders!

5 Reasons You’ll Love These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

1. **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of bacon and brown sugar is one that you may not expect but will absolutely love. The sweet and smoky notes create a unique flavor profile.

2. **Crunchy Texture**: The crispy coating delivers an amazing contrast to the tender, juicy chicken inside. Each bite is satisfying and full of deliciousness.

3. **Simple and Quick**: Despite being packed with flavor, this recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare. You can have these tenders ready in about 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

4. **Versatile Dish**: Dress these tenders up or down as you prefer. Serve them plain, dip them in your favorite sauces, or pair them with sides like fries or a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless!

5. **Crowd-Pleasing Option**: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual night with friends, these chicken tenders are sure to impress and bring everyone together.

Ingredient Deep-Dive

To achieve that perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tender, you’ll need a few key ingredients.

1. **Chicken Tenders**: Look for fresh, high-quality chicken tenders. They are already cut into the perfect shape, making prep a breeze.

2. **Bacon**: Choose thick-cut bacon for a more robust flavor. The smokiness from the bacon enhances the sweetness of the brown sugar beautifully.

3. **Brown Sugar**: This ingredient is vital in creating that caramelized crust. It melds perfectly with the savory aspects of the dish.

4. **Flour and Seasonings**: All-purpose flour works well as a base for the coating. Add salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to enhance the flavor even further.

5. **Eggs**: These act as a binder, allowing the flour to adhere well to the chicken and create an exceptional crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prep the Chicken**: Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This will help achieve better crispy results.

2. **Cook the Bacon**: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, reserving some of the bacon fat in the skillet for later.

3. **Chop the Bacon**: Once the bacon has cooled, chop it into small pieces and set it aside.

4. **Prepare the Coating**: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until thoroughly mixed.

5. **Dredge the Chicken**: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is well covered.

6. **Fry the Chicken**: Heat the reserved bacon fat in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in a single layer, frying them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.

7. **Add Bacon Bits**: In the last minute of frying, sprinkle the chopped bacon over the chicken tenders in the skillet to allow them to caramelize slightly.

8. **Drain and Serve**: Once cooked, remove the tenders from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain any excess fat.

9. **Garnish**: Optionally, garnish the chicken tenders with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and freshness.

10. **Enjoy**: Serve the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Pro Tips

– **Using Parchment Paper**: For easier cleanup, consider lining your baking sheet with parchment paper when draining your chicken tenders.

– **Marination Optional**: While not required, marinating the chicken in a bit of buttermilk for up to an hour can enhance flavor and tenderness.

– **Adjusting Sweetness**: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness.

– **Dipping Sauce**: Consider making a quick dipping sauce using a mix of mayonnaise and hot sauce, or a honey mustard blend—both are phenomenal with these tenders!

– **Baking Option**: If you prefer a healthier alternative, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway.

Common Mistakes

– **Overcrowding the Pan**: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

– **Skipping the Drying Step**: Neglecting to dry the chicken tenders before coating can lead to the batter sliding off during cooking.

– **Inconsistent Heat**: Maintaining consistent heat is crucial for frying. Too hot, and you’ll burn the coating; too low, and you’ll end up with greasy, soggy pieces.

– **Ignoring Temperature**: Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.

– **Lack of Seasoning**: Don’t skip on seasoning your flour mixture. A little salt and pepper go a long way in enhancing the flavor of your tenders.

FAQs

**Can I use frozen chicken tenders?** Yes! Ensure you fully thaw them first before proceeding with the recipe for optimal results.

**How should I store leftovers?** Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.

**Can I make these ahead of time?** Absolutely! You can prep them and freeze uncooked, then fry them directly from frozen when ready to serve. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

**What can I serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders?** These tenders pair wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. You could also add a dipping sauce such as ranch or BBQ for an extra kick.

**How do these compare to maple glazed chicken tenders?** Both recipes feature unique flavor profiles but utilize similar methods. The bacon in this recipe adds a savory element, while maple glazed tends to lean toward a sweet and syrupy profile. For more delicious ideas, be sure to check out my recipe for [Maple Glazed Chicken Tenders](https://flavorfork.store/the-best-fudgy-chewy-browkies-are-here-indulge-in-perfection-with-this-ultimate-dessert-get-the-full-recipe-here/) and explore further culinary adventures!