Description
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders combine sweet and savory flavors in a mouthwatering dish that delights family dinner tables. Crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar create an irresistible coating you cannot resist trying on succulent chicken tenders.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
- 8–10 slices bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and position a rack in the center for even cooking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Bacon Transformation: Crisp the bacon in a skillet until golden and thoroughly cooked. Finely chop the rendered bacon into delicate, crunchy bits that will infuse the dish with smoky depth.
- Flavor Fusion: Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl. Fold the chopped bacon into the spice mixture, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory elements.
- Chicken Prepping: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Quickly sear in a hot skillet with olive oil to develop a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Coating and Baking: Generously coat each tender with the bacon-sugar mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between tenders for optimal heat circulation.
- Final Roasting: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the coating caramelizes to a rich, glistening finish and the chicken reaches perfect internal temperature. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and coating to set.
Notes
- Bacon Crispness Control: Ensure bacon is thoroughly cooked and finely chopped to provide maximum crunch and flavor distribution without large chunks that might burn.
- Sugar Caramelization Technique: Monitor oven temperature closely to prevent burning, as brown sugar can quickly transform from golden to bitter if overheated.
- Moisture Preservation Hack: Sear chicken tenders briefly before baking to lock in juices, creating a tender interior while developing a crispy exterior coating.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all spices are certified gluten-free and replace any potential gluten-containing ingredients for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg