Description
Sizzling bacon brown sugar chicken tenders offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy, caramelized edges and juicy meat make this dish irresistible when you crave comfort with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 strips bacon
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders
- ½ cup (120 grams) brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack in the middle for uniform heat distribution.
- Seasoning Blend: Combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a robust flavor profile for the chicken tenders.
- Chicken Preparation: Blot chicken tenders dry and thoroughly coat with the spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage and enhanced flavor absorption.
- Bacon Wrapping: Encase each seasoned tender with a full bacon slice, overlapping edges to secure the meat. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Sugar Coating: Generously press brown sugar onto the bacon-wrapped tenders, creating a caramelizing layer that will develop a sweet and crispy exterior.
- Baking Setup: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Arrange chicken tenders with ample spacing to promote even cooking and crisp bacon.
- Cooking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until bacon turns golden and crispy, and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Resting and Serving: Allow tenders to rest for 5 minutes post-cooking to redistribute juices and set the caramelized coating. Remove toothpicks before serving and enjoy the warm, sweet-savory chicken tenders.
Notes
- Moisture Matters: Pat chicken tenders completely dry to help seasonings stick and achieve crispy bacon perfection.
- Bacon Wrapping Pro Tip: Overlap bacon slightly and secure with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during baking.
- Sugar Coating Technique: Press brown sugar firmly onto bacon for maximum caramelization and a deliciously sweet crust.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and juicy results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg