Description
Succulent bacon brown sugar chicken tenders blend sweet and savory flavors in one irresistible dish. Crispy bacon wraps tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal that delivers maximum satisfaction in every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
- 8–10 slices bacon
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a baking surface for the culinary transformation about to unfold.
- Render the bacon until crisp and golden, then meticulously chop into fine, crunchy fragments that will provide textural complexity to the dish.
- Craft a flavor-packed coating by blending brown sugar with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a harmonious dry mixture that will caramelize beautifully.
- Incorporate the finely chopped bacon pieces into the sugar spice blend, ensuring an even distribution of smoky and sweet elements.
- Season chicken tenders with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper, awakening their natural flavors.
- Sear the seasoned tenders in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a rich golden exterior that seals in moisture and creates a beautiful color.
- Generously enrobe each tender with the bacon-studded sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure maximum adherence and flavor penetration.
- Transfer the lavishly coated tenders to a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing precise heat distribution during the final cooking stage.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching as the coating transforms into a glistening, caramelized crust while the chicken reaches perfect doneness.
- Allow the tenders to rest briefly, letting the juices redistribute and the coating set, before serving alongside complementary side dishes that highlight their sweet and savory profile.
Notes
- Maximize bacon crispiness by cooking it slowly over medium-low heat to prevent burning and ensure an even, crunchy texture.
- Opt for thick-cut bacon to provide more substantial crumbles and intensify the smoky flavor throughout the chicken tenders.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
- Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic index option that maintains the delightful caramelized coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 509
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg