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and Irresistible Essential Recipe

and Irresistible Essential Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a flavorful brown sugar and spice mixture. Easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen tools, this dish is sure to impress as a savory appetizer or a delicious main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Bacon

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon (or regular bacon for crispier finish)

Brown Sugar Spice Mixture

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)

Additional Items

  • Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
  • Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper for baking sheet

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, and optional garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating for the chicken tenders.
  2. Prep the Chicken Tenders: Pat the chicken breast tenders dry using paper towels to ensure the bacon adheres properly and crisps up beautifully.
  3. Wrap with Bacon: Slightly stretch each bacon slice before wrapping it completely around each chicken tender, overlapping the edges for full coverage. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to keep the bacon in place during baking.
  4. Coat with Brown Sugar Mixture: Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the prepared brown sugar and spice blend, pressing lightly so the mixture sticks evenly over the entire surface.
  5. Bake the Tenders: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the coated tenders on the sheet with even spacing between them.
  6. Bake Until Cooked Through: Bake the tenders for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispy bacon, broil the tenders for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, flavorful bites. Serve with your choice of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, chipotle mayo, or teriyaki.

Notes

  • Partially cooking bacon before wrapping can help achieve a crispier texture but is optional.
  • Use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative.
  • Ensure bacon slices are slightly stretched to wrap chicken fully for better coverage and crispiness.
  • Use toothpicks to secure bacon, but remember to remove them before serving.
  • Resting the cooked tenders before serving enhances juiciness and flavor.
  • The optional cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick if desired.
  • This recipe works well as an appetizer or a main dish paired with sides like salads, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon chicken tenders, brown sugar chicken, sweet and smoky chicken, bacon wrapped chicken, quick chicken recipe, appetizer, main dish

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/and-irresistible-essential-recipe/