Description
Sweet, sticky brown sugar meets savory beef beef bacon and tender chicken. These glazed tenders, infused with smoked paprika, are baked to perfection on a rack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders (about 12 tenders)
- 12 slices beef turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top, lightly spraying the rack with non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until a thick, uniform paste is formed.
- Step 3: Take one chicken tender and wrap one slice of beef turkey bacon tightly around it, ensuring the ends overlap on the underside. Dip the wrapped tender into the brown sugar mixture, rolling it to ensure all sides are fully coated.
- Step 4: Place the coated chicken tender seam-side down on the prepared wire rack, ensuring there is small space between each piece.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the beef beef bacon is cooked and crispy. If desired, broil on high for the last 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sugar further (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; place a paper towel beneath them to absorb excess moisture and help preserve the coating’s crispness.
- For best results, reheat the tenders in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in the oven until the turkey bacon coating is crisp again, avoiding the microwave which makes the sugar sticky.
- Serve these sweet and smoky tenders with a simple side of vinegar-based coleslaw or a dollop of cooling ranch dressing to balance the intense brown sugar glaze.
- Ensure the brown sugar mixture forms a very thick paste, not a runny glaze, as this consistency is crucial for achieving a thick, caramelized crust that adheres firmly to the beef bacon during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 Tenders (approx. 4 oz / 113g cooked)
- Calories: 265
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 8.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g