Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenders (about 10–12 tenders)
12 slices of bacon (thin-cut works best)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for greasing)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and lightly grease with olive oil if needed.
Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Wrap the chicken: Take each chicken tender and coat it evenly with the brown sugar mixture. Wrap each coated tender with a slice of bacon, securing the ends underneath the chicken.
Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other. This will help the bacon crisp up on all sides.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end to get the bacon extra crispy.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color if desired.