Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that make for a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar coating create an irresistible dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, making sure to coat them well.
4. Add Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon pieces over the seasoned chicken tenders.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
6. Serve: Enjoy the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders hot for a deliciously sweet and savory meal!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Spicy Option: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture for a bit of heat.
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts or thighs for a different texture.
• Add More Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) until heated through, or in the microwave, but the bacon may lose some crispiness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
   Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
2. What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
   They pair well with a side salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prepare the chicken and coat it in the brown sugar mixture, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
4. What if I don’t have bacon?
   You can omit the bacon or use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
5. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   The internal temperature should reach 165F (74C).
6. Can I use other types of sugar?
   Brown sugar provides a specific flavor, but you can use regular granulated sugar in a pinch.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as the bacon and any other seasonings are gluten-free.
8. Can I grill these instead?
   Yes, you can grill the chicken tenders for a smoky flavor, just be sure to monitor the bacon closely.
9. What’s the best way to crisp the bacon?
   Cook the bacon until it’s crispy before adding it to the chicken for the best texture.
10. Can I add cheese?
    Yes, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.

Conclusion

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy dish that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the savory crunch of bacon. This recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for any occasion, serve these tenders hot and watch them disappear!

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