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bacon-brown-sugar-chicken-tenders-baked

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Sweet, smoky, and crispy baked chicken tenders wrapped in bacon and coated in a caramelized brown sugar spice blend. Ready in under 45 minutes with just one pan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 6 slices bacon thick-cut recommended
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed, dark brown sugar preferred
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp paprika smoked paprika recommended
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • cooking spray or neutral oil for greasing the pan and topping tenders

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise so you have 12 half-slices, one per chicken tender.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt until fully combined.
  4. Press each chicken tender into the seasoning mix on both sides to coat generously. Wrap one half-slice of bacon snugly around each tender, tucking the ends underneath.
  5. Arrange the wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet with space between each one. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized to a deep golden glaze. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set and juices to redistribute.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for the best crispy texture. Dark brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor. Space tenders evenly on the pan for even crisping. Great for meal prep — wrap tenders in bacon up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.