Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
- Cut each slice of bacon into thirds.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s partially crispy (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the chicken tenders with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Dredge each tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.
Step 4: Wrap the Chicken in Bacon
- Wrap each chicken tender with one piece of cooked bacon.
- Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary and place the wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the toothpicks (if used) and serve the chicken tenders hot.
- Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips