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Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

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Ingredients

  • 5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 2½ lbs bacon (about 40–45 slices, cut in half)
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne or chili flakes (optional but 🔥)
  • Optional add-ins:
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • Drizzle of hot honey or maple syrup at the end

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Line 2–3 large baking sheets with foil and place racks on top.
  2. Mix brown sugar and all spices in a large bowl.
  3. Wrap each chicken tender with half a slice of bacon.
  4. Coat heavily in the brown sugar mixture (don’t be shy).
  5. Arrange seam-side down on racks, leaving space.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
  7. Broil for 2–4 minutes until bacon is crisp and sugar is caramelized.
  8. Rest 5 minutes (the glaze thickens 😍).

🔥 Extra Pro Tips for Large Batches

  • Par-cook bacon 6–8 minutes first for guaranteed crispiness.
  • Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  • If sugar pools, spoon it back over the tenders halfway.
  • Keep warm at 200°F if serving later.

💥 Flavor Variations (make multiple trays!)

  • Spicy BBQ: brush BBQ sauce + cayenne last 5 minutes
  • Honey Mustard: drizzle honey + Dijon after baking
  • Maple Bourbon: maple syrup + splash of bourbon in sugar mix
  • Sweet Heat: brown sugar + hot honey + chili flakes

Perfect for parties, holidays, game day, or meal prep (they reheat amazingly).

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