Here’s a tasty recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders! This dish combines the savory goodness of bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 6-8 pieces)
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bacon:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and drain on paper towels. Set aside. Once cooled, chop into small pieces.
-
Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Coat the chicken tenders with the spice-sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
-
Wrap the Chicken in Bacon:
- Wrap each seasoned chicken tender with a slice of cooked bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed.
-
Cook the Chicken Tenders:
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning to get all sides crispy and browned. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
-
Finish in the Oven:
- After pan-frying, transfer the chicken tenders to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped bacon over the top for extra flavor and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
-
Serve:
- Serve these bacon brown sugar chicken tenders with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad. They’re also great with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your sweet and savory bacon brown sugar chicken tenders!
Would you like to pair this with any sides or dipping sauces for extra flavor?