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Easy Crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

crispy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar coating on tender chicken tenders, perfect for a sweet and smoky homemade dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh, skinless chicken tenders
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or reserved bacon fat)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces. Reserve bacon fat if desired.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
  3. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil or reserved bacon fat until lightly coated.
  5. Add crumbled bacon to the seasoning mix, then toss chicken tenders in this mixture until evenly coated.
  6. Arrange coated tenders in a single layer on the wire rack-lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the chicken. Flip tenders halfway through baking for even caramelization. Pat chicken dry before coating for best crispiness. Thick-cut bacon is recommended to prevent burning. For extra crispiness, broil briefly at the end but watch carefully. Can be adapted for air fryer cooking at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, bacon, brown sugar, crispy chicken, easy dinner, sweet and smoky, quick recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://larameals.com/easy-crispy-bacon-brown-sugar-chicken-tenders-recipe-for-perfect-homemade-dinner/