Can I use turkey bacon?

You can, but it will not render the same, so you may not get that classic crisp and sticky glaze. If you do, watch closely and consider a quick broil at the end.

How do I know the chicken is done without cutting it open?

Use a thermometer and look for 165 F (74 C) at the thickest part. It is the easiest way to avoid dry chicken.

Should I flip the tenders while baking?

Not if you are using a rack. The airflow handles it. Flipping can knock off the sugar coating and loosen the bacon seam.

Can I make Sweet and Savory Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken less sweet?

Yes. Drop the brown sugar to 1/3 cup and add a little more paprika and black pepper. It still tastes balanced and savory.

What if I only have chicken breasts?

Slice them into even strips and keep thickness consistent. They work great, just check temp a bit earlier since some strips cook faster.

Sweet and Savory Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken

Description

An easy yet fancy recipe for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken that combines sweet, salty, and smoky flavors, delivering a delicious and crispy finish. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb Chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
8 slices Bacon (thick cut or standard)
1/2 cup Brown sugar (light or dark)
1 teaspoon Paprika (regular or smoked)
1 teaspoon Garlic salt (or garlic powder plus salt)
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne (optional, adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
as needed spray Cooking spray or oil (for the rack)

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Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes if possible.
Wrap each chicken tender tightly with a slice of bacon, starting from the thicker end and spiraling down. Place seam side down on the wire rack.
Prepare the brown sugar rub by mixing brown sugar, paprika, garlic salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.
Sprinkle the rub on a plate and roll the bacon-wrapped tenders to coat. Pat extra rub onto any bare spots.

Cooking

Arrange the dipped chicken tenders on a wire rack set over the foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-28 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

You can prep the tenders the night before and refrigerate without the rub. Add the rub right before baking for best results. For less sweetness, reduce brown sugar to 1/3 cup.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American