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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them cook evenly and allow the seasoning to stick better.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Cut the bacon strips into halves or thirds, depending on how long you want each bacon piece to be. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes before wrapping the chicken tenders, but raw bacon works fine for wrapping too.
3. Make the Sweet Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard (if using), olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Wrap the Chicken Tenders:
Take each chicken tender and wrap a piece of bacon around it. You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon if necessary, but the bacon usually stays in place while cooking.
5. Coat with Brown Sugar Glaze:
Using a pastry brush, coat each bacon-wrapped chicken tender generously with the brown sugar glaze. Make sure to coat the bacon as well, so it caramelizes beautifully during baking.
6. Cook the Chicken Tenders:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), the bacon is crispy, and the glaze has caramelized.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Serve these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar glaze. The sweetness from the sugar balances perfectly with the heat from the spice.
- Air Fryer Option: For a quicker and even crispier result, you can make these tenders in an air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon will give you a heartier, crispier texture once it’s cooked, which can provide a more satisfying bite.
- Make Ahead: If you’re prepping for a party or need to save time, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped tenders and store them in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight before baking.
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar glaze creates an irresistible flavor profile that hits all the right notes of savory, sweet, and smoky. It’s a flavor combination that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even as a last-minute snack for unexpected guests. The whole dish comes together in under 40 minutes!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the sweet taste of brown sugar and the crispy bacon, making this dish a great choice for family dinners. Even picky eaters will find it hard to resist.
- Versatile: Serve these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders as a main dish, appetizer, or party finger food. They also pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces, from creamy ranch to tangy barbecue sauce.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a game day party, or bringing something to a potluck, these bacon brown sugar chicken tenders will steal the show. The combination of textures and flavors is simply addictive.
Final Thoughts:
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for any meal or occasion. With their perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, these tenders are sure to be a crowd favorite. The crispy bacon and caramelized glaze give these chicken tenders a satisfying crunch while keeping the chicken inside juicy and tender. Easy to make and hard to resist, this recipe is a must-try!
Next time you’re in the mood for something both indulgent and delicious, try making these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders — they’ll be gone in no time!
Happy cooking! 🍗🥓
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