Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

  1. Cut each slice of bacon into thirds.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s partially crispy (about 5–7 minutes).
  3. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Rub the chicken tenders with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  3. Dredge each tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.

Step 4: Wrap the Chicken in Bacon

  1. Wrap each chicken tender with one piece of cooked bacon.
  2. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary and place the wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
  2. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove the toothpicks (if used) and serve the chicken tenders hot.
  2. Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips