Description
Crispy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders deliver an irresistible sweet and savory dance of flavors. Succulent chicken wrapped in caramelized bacon promises a mouthwatering experience that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders
- 8–10 slices bacon
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Create a flavor-enhancing spice blend by thoroughly mixing brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Massage the spice mixture generously over each chicken tender, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Carefully encase each seasoned tender with a slice of bacon, wrapping snugly around the meat and securing with toothpicks if necessary to maintain the bacon’s position during cooking.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece to allow proper heat circulation and even cooking.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring the internal chicken temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon becomes golden and crisp.
- For additional crispiness, activate the broiler and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the tenders for a vibrant garnish and fresh herbaceous notes.
- Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and the bacon retains its crispy texture.
Notes
- Ensure bacon is thinly sliced for optimal crispiness and even cooking around chicken tenders.
- Cut toothpicks slightly shorter to prevent burning during high-temperature baking.
- Pat chicken tenders dry before seasoning to help spice mixture adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat content and make the dish lighter for health-conscious eaters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 1160 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg