Description
Delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders feature juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, coated with a sweet and savory brown sugar and spice mixture, then baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish balances smoky, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Bacon
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices bacon
Seasoning
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Metal skewers or toothpicks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking the chicken tenders evenly and crisping the bacon.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a sweet and savory coating for the tenders.
- Wrap Chicken: Take each chicken tender and wrap it with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick or metal skewer if necessary to keep the bacon in place during cooking.
- Coat with Seasoning: Dip each bacon-wrapped chicken tender into the brown sugar seasoning mixture, thoroughly coating it to ensure each bite is flavorful and caramelized when baked.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks or skewers if used, and serve the tenders immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your sweet, savory, and crispy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders!
Notes
- Using metal skewers or toothpicks helps keep the bacon wrapped tightly around the chicken tenders.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the tenders for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, adding cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for better moistness.
- This recipe pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
