Brown Sugar Bacon Chicken
Introduction
Brown Sugar Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with the sweet richness of brown sugar and the smoky crunch of bacon bits. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup bacon bits (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenders, bacon bits, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon bits are crispy.
- Step 5: Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
- Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Use smoked paprika instead of black pepper for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over rice for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain the crispiness of the bacon bits.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Is it necessary to use cooked bacon bits?
Yes, pre-cooked bacon bits are important for the right texture and flavor. Using uncooked bacon will require longer cooking and may affect the outcome.
PrintBrown Sugar Bacon Chicken
Delicious Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders coated with crispy bacon bits and a sweet-savory blend of brown sugar and spices, baked to perfection for juicy and flavorful bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup bacon bits (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken tenders evenly and to achieve a crispy finish on the bacon bits.
- Prepare Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenders with the bacon bits, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir and toss well until each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange Chicken: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the bacon bits to crisp up nicely.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C), confirming it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve Hot: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps retain juice and enhances the overall flavor before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken safety and optimal juiciness.
- To add extra flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, baked chicken tenders, bacon chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken dinner
