Description
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are irresistibly sweet, savory, and smoky. Each chicken tender is wrapped in bacon, coated in brown sugar, and baked to crispy, caramelized perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they’re easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
- 8–10 slices of bacon (one slice per tender)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps the bacon crisp up).
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Wrap the Chicken Tenders:
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, making sure to overlap slightly. If needed, secure with a toothpick.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing to coat well on all sides.
4. Bake:
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. For extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
5. Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Remove toothpicks if used, and enjoy!
Notes
- For Spicier Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through for evenly crispy bacon.