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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

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Tender chicken strips are wrapped in bacon, rolled in brown sugar and spices, and baked until crispy and caramelized. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or anytime you want a sweet and savory treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 10–12 slices regular-cut bacon
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing rack or sheet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If using a wire rack, set it on top and spray with nonstick spray.
  2. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
  3. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Toss chicken with half of the brown sugar-spice mix in a large bowl to coat evenly.
  4. Wrap each chicken tender with one slice of bacon, overlapping the ends underneath. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  5. Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the remaining brown sugar mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides. Place on the prepared rack or baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip halfway through if not using a rack.
  7. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Remove toothpicks and let tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut) for even crisping. Line your pan for easy clean-up. Flip tenders halfway if not using a rack. Let rest before serving to allow the sugar to set. For a spicy kick, add extra cayenne or drizzle with hot honey after baking. Recipe is naturally gluten-free but always check labels. Leftovers reheat best in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon brown sugar chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, party appetizer, gluten-free chicken, weeknight dinner, bacon wrapped chicken

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/bacon-brown-sugar-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-dinner-win/