Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken Tenders
- Prepare Chicken Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides.
Step 3: Coat with Brown Sugar and Bacon
- Coat with Brown Sugar: In a shallow dish, mix together the brown sugar and crumbled bacon.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Press each seasoned chicken tender into the brown sugar and bacon mixture, coating both sides generously. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake Chicken Tenders: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is caramelized and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
- Serve: Serve these delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders hot as a main dish or appetizer. They pair well with a side of rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:
- Bacon Preparation: Ensure the bacon is cooked until crispy before crumbling for the best texture and flavor in the coating.
- Chicken Tenders: If you prefer, you can use chicken breast cut into strips instead of chicken tenders.
- Variations: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar and bacon mixture.
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their sweet and savory flavor profile. Enjoy making and serving these tasty chicken tenders!