Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders bring sweet and savory magic to dinner tables with crispy, caramelized perfection. Succulent chicken strips wrapped in smoky bacon and glazed with rich brown sugar create an irresistible flavor combination you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders
- 8 strips bacon
Seasoning and Coating:
- ½ cup (120 grams) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Finishing Seasonings:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the middle for even cooking.
- Mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adhesion and crispy bacon.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken tender with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully wrap each seasoned chicken tender with a full slice of bacon, overlapping slightly to secure the meat.
- Use toothpicks to fasten the bacon in place if needed, preventing it from unraveling during cooking.
- Create a generous coating by pressing brown sugar firmly onto the bacon-wrapped tenders, ensuring maximum caramelization.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even heat circulation.
- Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.
- Carefully remove toothpicks before serving and enjoy the sweet and savory chicken tenders while still warm.
Notes
- Bacon’s crispy texture adds a delightful crunch that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into an irresistible meal.
- Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating a sweet and savory glaze that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Toothpicks help secure bacon perfectly, preventing slippage and ensuring even cooking across each tender.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat prevents sticky situations and makes cleanup a breeze after enjoying this mouthwatering dish.
- Checking internal chicken temperature guarantees food safety while maintaining juicy, tender meat that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 100mg