Description
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Juicy chicken tenders are wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, and baked to perfection. They make an irresistible appetizer, snack, or dinner idea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders (about 8 pieces)
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the bacon crisp evenly.
2. Prepare the coating
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Wrap the chicken
- Wrap each chicken tender with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly, and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
4. Arrange and bake
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
- For extra caramelization, broil the tenders for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
5. Serve
- Let the tenders cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Bacon tip: Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and quicker cooking.
- Make ahead: Prep the tenders in advance and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to crisp up.