Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delicious combination of savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, and the tender juiciness of chicken. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe elevates your standard chicken tender into something special, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or a tasty snack. The crispy bacon and caramelized sugar coating will have everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 6 slices bacon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
3. Wrap the chicken: Take each chicken tender and wrap it with a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks to hold the bacon in place.
4. Coat with brown sugar mixture: Roll the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
5. Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
6. Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
7. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven, discard the toothpicks, and serve your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders immediately!

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

• Add spice: If you like a little heat, you can sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the brown sugar mixture for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
• Change up the seasonings: Try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor. You can also add a pinch of onion powder or ground mustard for added depth.
• Different meats: This recipe can be used with other cuts of chicken, like boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, though the cooking time may vary.
• Sweet glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the chicken tenders during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover bacon-wrapped chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes, to maintain their crispiness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?
   Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you’ll need to cut them into strips or chunks, and the cooking time may be slightly longer.
2. Do I need to cook the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken?
   No, the bacon will cook as the chicken bakes. Wrapping it raw helps the bacon crisp up while the sugar caramelizes.
3. Can I use turkey bacon for this recipe?
   Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted for regular bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may not crisp up as much as pork bacon, but it will still add flavor.
4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
   The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the bacon should be crispy. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Can I prepare these in advance?
   You can prepare and wrap the chicken tenders ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When ready, simply bake them as directed.
6. How can I make these spicier?
   Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture for a spicy contrast to the sweetness.
7. Can I use a different sugar?
   Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar, but the flavor may differ slightly.
8. Can I bake these on a wire rack?
   Yes, you can place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow the bacon to crisp up all around. Just make sure to line the baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
9. Can I use a different seasoning instead of garlic powder?
   Yes, you can substitute garlic powder with onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even smoked garlic powder for a unique twist.
10. Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
    Yes, you can freeze the uncooked bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors with a crispy, caramelized finish. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish for dinner or as a fun appetizer at a party, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit. With their easy preparation and irresistible flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!

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