Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
| 1 lb | chicken tenders |
| 8 slices | bacon |
| ½ cup | brown sugar |
| 1 tsp | paprika |
| ½ tsp | garlic powder |
| ¼ tsp | black pepper |
| Preheat oven: to 190°C. |
| Prepare chicken: Cut chicken tenders in half lengthwise if they are large. |
| Wrap bacon: Wrap one slice of bacon around each chicken tender, securing with a toothpick if needed. |
| Make the rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. |
| Coat chicken: Rub the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. |
| Bake: Place chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy. |
| tips |
| For extra crispy bacon: If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, consider parcooking it slightly in a skillet before wrapping it around the chicken tenders. This will help ensure a perfectly crunchy texture. |
| Elevate the flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture for a hint of spice. This will complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and add depth to the flavor profile. |
| Prevent drying out: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. |