Ingredients for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are the perfect cut for this recipe, as they cook quickly and remain juicy and tender. Chicken breast can be substituted, but tenders are ideal due to their smaller size and ability to absorb flavors easily. You’ll need approximately 1 lb of chicken tenders, which typically translates to about 8-10 pieces, depending on the size of the tenders.
Bacon
Bacon is the star of this recipe. Not only does it add a rich, smoky flavor to the chicken, but it also crisps up beautifully in the oven. The crispy bacon contrasts wonderfully with the juicy chicken tenders. For best results, use thick-cut bacon, as it holds up better during cooking and provides a satisfying crunch.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is essential in this recipe. It caramelizes during baking, adding a sweet, slightly molasses-like flavor to balance out the smoky, savory bacon. Light brown sugar works best, as it provides just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Seasonings
- Paprika: This adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that complements the bacon and enhances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic adds a depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the bacon and chicken.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder rounds out the seasoning, giving a savory undertone to the dish.
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for crisping up the bacon while ensuring the chicken cooks through without drying out. Line a baking sheet with parchment paperor foil to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed. The sugar and spices will create a flavorful coating that will melt into the bacon and chicken as they cook.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
Take each chicken tender and wrap it with a slice of cooked bacon. For each piece, ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the chicken. This will keep the bacon in place while it crisps up in the oven. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, feel free to slightly pre-cook the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken in the Brown Sugar Mixture
Once your chicken tenders are wrapped in bacon, roll each one in the brown sugar seasoning mixture. Ensure each piece is coated evenly with the sweet, smoky blend. This will create a caramelized crust that adds depth of flavor to every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Tenders
Place the coated bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out so that the heat can circulate around each piece. Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken tenders and the crispiness of your bacon.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. The bacon will continue to crisp as it cools slightly. Serve these delicious bacon brown sugar chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, or simply enjoy them as they are. They’re perfect for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or even a quick and satisfying snack.