10/11/2026
Brown Sugar Honey Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders 🍯🥓🍗
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders (approximately 12 pieces)
12 slices thin-cut bacon
1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) honey
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (5ml) apple c***r vinegar
Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
For the Honey Brown Sugar Glaze:
3 tablespoons (45ml) honey
2 tablespoons (25g) packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (5ml) apple c***r vinegar
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) garlic powder
Optional Garnish:
Fresh chopped parsley
Crushed red pepper flakes
Extra honey for drizzling
Freshly cracked black pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe wire rack over the baking sheet and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasonings adhere better and allows the bacon to become crispier during baking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, Worcestershire sauce, and apple c***r vinegar. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful seasoning mixture. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the bacon and brown sugar coating.
5. Place the brown sugar in a shallow bowl or plate. Separate the bacon slices and lay them flat on a clean cutting board.
6. Take one seasoned chicken tender and wrap a slice of bacon around it in a spiral pattern, starting at one end and working toward the other. Slightly overlap the bacon as you wrap to ensure the chicken is covered. Secure the ends with toothpicks if necessary.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken tenders and bacon slices, making sure each piece is wrapped snugly without stretching the bacon too tightly.
8. Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender gently in the brown sugar, pressing lightly so the sugar sticks to the bacon. Shake off any excess sugar to prevent excessive burning during baking.
9. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack, leaving approximately 1 inch (2.5cm) of space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate evenly.
10. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup (60ml) honey and 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter. Stir until smooth, then brush a light layer over each bacon-wrapped chicken tender.
11. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the bacon to begin rendering its fat and the brown sugar to melt into a sticky coating.
12. While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey brown sugar glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, melted butter, Dijon mustard, apple c***r vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
13. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the brown sugar dissolves completely and the glaze becomes smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
14. After the first 15 minutes of baking, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon-wrapped tender with the prepared honey brown sugar glaze.
15. Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken tenders and bacon.
16. For an extra caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent the honey and brown sugar from burning.
17. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the chicken tenders to rest for 3-5 minutes. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools, creating a delicious sticky coating around the crispy bacon.
18. Carefully remove any toothpicks used to secure the bacon. Brush the chicken with any remaining glaze that has been kept separate from the raw chicken, or drizzle lightly with additional honey for extra sweetness.
19. Transfer the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of color and flavor.
20. Serve warm with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy these irresistible Brown Sugar Honey Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders, featuring juicy, tender chicken wrapped in crispy smoky bacon and coated in a sweet, buttery, caramelized honey glaze!