🥓🍗 Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders – Sweet, Savory, and Crispy Perfection!
These Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders are a crowd-pleaser! Chicken tenders are wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, and baked to perfection. The result? A mouthwatering combination of crispy, tender, and sweet that will leave you craving more!
🛒 Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
8 slices of bacon
½ cup brown sugar, light or dark
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
🍴 Instructions:
Prep the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the Bacon:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika together. This will be your seasoning blend.
Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
Coat the Chicken:
Brush the wrapped chicken tenders with olive oil or melted butter for added crispiness and richness. Then, coat each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar seasoning mix, pressing gently to ensure it’s evenly covered.
Bake the Tenders:
Place the prepared tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. If you like extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
Once done, remove the tenders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side to a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
🍽 Pro Tips:
For an extra kick, sprinkle a little crushed red pepper or cayenne in the seasoning mix.
If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the tenders in an air fryer instead for less oil.
Try adding a drizzle of maple syrup on top before baking for a more intense sweetness.
🔄 Variations:
BBQ Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders: Add a brush of your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy twist before baking.
Spicy Sweet: Add some hot sauce to the brown sugar mix to balance the sweetness with heat.
Vegetarian: Use tofu strips or vegetarian chicken alternatives wrapped in vegan bacon for a plant-based take.