Here’s a delicious recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders. These tenders are perfect as an appetizer or a main course and are sure to be a hit with everyone!
### Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
#### Ingredients:
– 1 lb (about 450g) chicken tenders
– 8-10 slices of bacon (cut in half if they are long)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. This will allow the bacon to crisp up nicely.
2. **Prepare the Spice Mixture:**
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. **Wrap the Chicken:**
Take each chicken tender and wrap it with a piece of bacon. You might need to use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place.
4. **Coat with Sugar Mixture:**
Once all the tenders are wrapped, coat each bacon-wrapped chicken tender with the brown sugar mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
5. **Bake:**
Place the coated chicken tenders on the wire rack on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. You might want to turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to get the bacon extra crispy, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. **Serve:**
Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Remove the toothpicks if used. Serve warm and enjoy!
#### Tips:
– Make sure to use a wire rack so the bacon crisps up evenly on all sides.
– Adjust the amount of brown sugar and spices according to your taste preference.
– For an extra layer of flavor, you can brush the chicken tenders with a bit of maple syrup before wrapping them in bacon.
Enjoy your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders!