Description
Sweet meets smoke! These oven-crisped tenders are coated in a rich brown sugar/paprika glaze, then hugged by savory turkey beef bacon. Find the full recipe details, method steps, and nutrition facts below.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 12 slices thin-cut turkey beef bacon
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps the turkey bacon crisp and allows excess grease to drain).
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pat the chicken tenders completely dry. Brush each tender lightly with melted butter, then dredge or sprinkle heavily with the prepared brown sugar mixture until coated.
- Step 3: Tightly wrap one slice of turkey beef bacon around the center of each seasoned chicken tender, ensuring the ends of the beef bacon overlap slightly on the bottom. Place the wrapped tenders seam-side down on the prepared wire rack, spacing them evenly.
- Step 4: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the turkey turkey bacon is starting to crisp and the sugar glaze is bubbling.
- Step 5: For an extra crisp glaze, you may briefly broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes until the brown sugar is deeply caramelized (watch carefully to prevent burning). Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the brown sugar glaze will firm up but the flavor remains excellent.
- To revive the crisp exterior and prevent the turkey turkey bacon from getting soggy, reheat the leftovers in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes instead of using a microwave.
- Balance the rich sweetness of the glaze by serving these tenders alongside a bright, fresh green salad with a sharp vinaigrette or creamy, crunchy coleslaw.
- For the best texture, always pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning and ensure the turkey beef bacon slices are wrapped tightly, overlapping slightly on the bottom, so they stay secure and crisp evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 Chicken Tenders (approx. 115g prepared)
- Calories: 240
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 12g