Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders (Print Version)

Juicy chicken wrapped in smoky bacon, coated with brown sugar and aromatic spices, then baked until golden.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken and Bacon

01 - 450 g chicken tenders or chicken breast, sliced into strips
02 - 8 slices streaky bacon

→ Seasonings

03 - 120 g light or dark brown sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
10 - Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 190°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
02 - Evenly coat the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
03 - Wrap each seasoned chicken strip with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick if necessary.
04 - Spread the brown sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken strip in the sugar, pressing gently to adhere. Sprinkle any extra sugar over the tops for added caramelization.
05 - Place the prepared chicken strips on the baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to encourage even browning.
06 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 74°C).
07 - Broil for 2–3 minutes for additional crisping if desired, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
08 - Serve immediately with pan juices spooned over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.

# Notes:

01 - Using parchment paper reduces sticking and ensures easy cleanup. For optimum caramelisation, press the brown sugar firmly onto the bacon-wrapped chicken.