Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders (Print version)
Juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in caramelized brown sugar, ready in 30 minutes with just five ingredients.
# Ingredients:
For the chicken
01 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 12 strips
02 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the wrap and glaze
06 -
12 slices thin-cut bacon
07 -
1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
08 -
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire cooling rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray.
02 -
Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over all sides of the chicken.
03 -
Wrap one slice of bacon around each chicken tender, stretching slightly so it overlaps. Tuck the ends underneath the tender to secure. Use a toothpick if needed.
04 -
Stir the brown sugar and salt together in a shallow dish. Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the mixture, pressing gently so the sugar adheres to the bacon.
05 -
Place the tenders on the prepared rack with space between them. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. For extra crunch, broil on low for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
# Good to know:
01 -
Let the tenders rest for 3 minutes before serving so the juices settle.
02 -
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).