Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders! Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and with a sweet and savory combination that will have your taste buds singing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 6 slices of bacon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
• Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and place them on the baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over each bacon-wrapped chicken tender.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.

Popular questions:

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through.

• Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer a healthier option.

• Can I use a different spice blend for seasoning?

Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I grill these chicken tenders instead of baking them?

Yes, you can grill these chicken tenders for a smoky flavor. Cook them over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through.

• Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

You can prep these chicken tenders ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to eat for a quick and easy meal.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure all ingredients, including the bacon, are gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

• Can I air fry these chicken tenders?

Air frying these chicken tenders is a great alternative to baking, just adjust the cooking time accordingly for your air fryer.

• How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

Substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener to make this recipe suitable for a keto diet.

• Can I add spices like paprika or cayenne for extra flavor?

Feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking and add spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick of heat.

• Can I broil these chicken tenders for a crispy finish?

You can broil these chicken tenders for a few minutes after baking to achieve a crispy finish on the bacon.

Helpful tips:

• Marinate the chicken tenders in the seasoning mix for a few hours before wrapping them in bacon for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve these chicken tenders with a side of honey mustard or BBQ sauce for dipping.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
• Experiment with different types of sugar like maple syrup or honey for a variety of flavor combinations.
• Make a double batch of these chicken tenders and freeze them for a convenient meal option later on.
• Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken tenders before serving for a bright and zesty flavor boost.
• Pair these chicken tenders with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less brown sugar according to your preference.
• Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Expert Secrets:

• Pre-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping it around the chicken tenders to ensure it gets crispy in the oven.
• For extra flavor, brush the chicken tenders with a mixture of honey and soy sauce before baking.
• For a smoky flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika over the chicken tenders before baking.
• Blot any excess moisture from the chicken tenders before seasoning them to ensure they get crispy in the oven.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• To prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking, secure it with toothpicks before baking.
• For a richer flavor, cook the chicken tenders in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop before finishing them in the oven.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the chicken tenders cook evenly and get crispy.
• For a tangy twist, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the chicken tenders before serving.
• For a crunchy coating, roll the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in breadcrumbs before baking.