Description

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors wrapped into a tender bite. Juicy chicken tenders are wrapped in bacon, coated in a brown sugar and spice mixture, then baked until caramelized and crisp. These craveable bites are easy to make, making them perfect for parties, game days, or a special weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Tenders

1 pound chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)

For the Bacon Wrap

10 slices bacon (thin-cut works best)

For the Brown Sugar Coating

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and set a wire rack on top. This helps ensure crispy bacon and easy cleanup.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
Wrap the Chicken: Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly so the bacon stays secure. If needed, use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place.
Coat with Brown Sugar: Press each bacon-wrapped tender into the brown sugar mixture, coating all sides generously. Gently pat the mixture on to adhere; some will fall off, and that’s okay.
Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders onto the wire rack, making sure they do not touch for maximum crispiness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C).
Serve: Remove toothpicks if used, and let the tenders cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use thin-cut bacon for the best wrapping and crisping.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; space between tenders helps everything cook evenly.
For extra caramelization, broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end—but watch them closely!
To reduce mess, line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper under the wire rack.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken tender
Calories: 210
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 43mg