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### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. This temperature allows the bacon to crisp up perfectly and helps caramelize the brown sugar on the chicken tenders.
#### **2. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:**
Pat the chicken tenders dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them cook more evenly and crisp up better. Season the chicken tenders with a pinch of **salt**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **ground black pepper**, and **smoked paprika**. Rub the seasonings into the chicken tenders to ensure an even coating.
#### **3. Prepare the Bacon:**
Lay the **bacon strips** out on a baking sheet. Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for about **10 minutes**, or until it is partially cooked (still soft but not fully crispy). The bacon will finish crisping up in the next step as it wraps around the chicken.
#### **4. Wrap the Chicken Tenders with Bacon:**
Once the bacon is partially cooked, take each strip of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place if necessary. The bacon should be wrapped snugly around the chicken, but it doesn’t need to be too tight.
#### **5. Coat with Brown Sugar:**
Sprinkle the **brown sugar** over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. Ensure that the sugar coats the bacon evenly. The brown sugar will melt and create a sweet, caramelized glaze as the tenders bake.
#### **6. Bake the Chicken Tenders:**
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake the tenders for about **20-25 minutes**, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach at least **165°F (74°C)** to ensure it’s fully cooked.
#### **7. Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the chicken tenders are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the oven. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like **parsley** or **cilantro** if desired.
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## **Tips for Perfecting Your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders**
– **Choose the Right Bacon:** For the best results, opt for **thick-cut bacon**. It will hold up better during cooking and provide a crispy texture that complements the tender chicken.
– **Don’t Skip the Pre-Baking Step for Bacon:** Pre-baking the bacon for a few minutes ensures that it crisps up evenly when wrapped around the chicken. If you skip this step, the bacon may remain too soft or greasy.
– **Use Fresh Chicken:** For the juiciest tenders, use **fresh chicken tenders** instead of frozen. If you do use frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.
– **Control the Sweetness:** If you prefer a more savory flavor, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar used. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
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## **Creative Variations on Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders**
While **Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders** are perfect as is, don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe. Here are a few creative variations to try:
1. **Spicy Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders:** Add a pinch of **cayenne pepper** or **red pepper flakes** to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
2. **Maple Bacon Chicken Tenders:** Swap out the brown sugar for **maple syrup** for a sweeter, more distinctive flavor.
3. **Cheesy Bacon Chicken Tenders:** Top the chicken tenders with a sprinkle of **shredded cheddar cheese** during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy, savory twist.
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## **Conclusion**
**Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders** offer a mouthwatering combination of savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tender chicken that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this dish is the perfect way to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests at a special occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with variations, this dish is bound to become a family favorite for years to come.
