Finger-Lickin' Good: Kentucky's Famous Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe

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If there's one thing Kentucky knows how to do, it's comfort food. From fried chicken to bourbon-infused desserts, the Bluegrass State has a rich culinary heritage that focuses on bold flavors and hearty meals. One dish that has been making waves in Kentucky kitchens lately is the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. This sweet and savory recipe brings together the smoky goodness of bacon with the rich, caramelized flavor of brown sugar, creating a dish that’s impossible to resist.

The Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a taste of the South in every bite. This dish is perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for something delicious and easy to make. The chicken tenders are seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices, then topped with crispy bacon and a coating of sweet brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The result is a tender, juicy chicken with a mouth-watering sweet and salty glaze that keeps you coming back for more.

Recipe: Kentucky-Style Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
• 8 slices of 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)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly and the bacon crisps up nicely. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Seasoning:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix gives the chicken a balanced flavor profile, with the brown sugar adding a sweet touch that complements the savory bacon.

Season the Chicken Tenders:

Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over each tender, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor. The sugar will melt and caramelize as it bakes, creating a sticky, delicious glaze.

Add the Bacon:

Top the seasoned chicken tenders with the crumbled bacon pieces. The bacon adds a delightful crunch and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze.

Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know the chicken is done when it's cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the tenders and your oven, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Serve:

Serve these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders hot out of the oven. They're perfect on their own, but also pair well with a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or a side of green beans for a complete meal.

Enjoy the mouth-watering combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors in every bite of these irresistible chicken tenders. Whether you’re hosting a party or just cooking for the family, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

To make delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, you can follow a variety of methods that combine the sweet and savory flavors of brown sugar and bacon. Here's a general overview of how you can prepare these tasty treats:

1. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: This recipe involves seasoning chicken tenders with a blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, and salt. The tenders are then wrapped with bacon slices and coated in a mixture of brown sugar and chili powder, giving them a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. Baking them in the oven results in tender chicken and crispy bacon. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for a few minutes at the end of the baking time​(Allrecipes).
2. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken in the Oven: This variation uses a mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder to season chicken breasts wrapped in bacon. Baking at 375°F ensures the bacon becomes crispy and the chicken stays juicy. The addition of fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness to this savory dish​(Allrecipes).
3. Mouthwatering Brown Sugar Bacon: For those who prefer a simpler approach, this recipe features bacon coated with brown sugar and optionally pecans, then baked until the sugar caramelizes, creating a sweet and savory glaze. This technique can be adapted by wrapping the sweet bacon around chicken tenders before baking​(Allrecipes).

For detailed recipes and specific ingredient measurements, check out the full recipes on Allrecipes here.

These methods offer flexibility depending on your taste preferences, allowing you to enjoy the irresistible combination of bacon and brown sugar in different ways. Whether you like a little extra heat from chili powder or prefer the straightforward sweetness of brown sugar, these recipes are sure to please.