Description
Sweet, smoky, and sticky chicken tenders coated in a brown sugar spice rub, seared in bacon fat, and baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
1½ lbs chicken tenders
8 slices bacon, chopped
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Pat chicken dry, rub with olive oil, and coat with the spice blend.
4. In the reserved bacon fat, sear chicken tenders for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Work in batches if needed.
5. Place seared tenders on the prepared rack. Sprinkle cooked bacon over the top and bake for 15–20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and glazed.
6. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve hot, optionally with a drizzle of honey or dipping sauce.
Notes
For a spicier kick, double the cayenne.
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Caramelized Bacon and Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, bacon brown sugar chicken, sweet and savory chicken