Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Tender chicken strips are wrapped in turkey bacon, coated in a brown sugar and spice mix, and baked to perfection. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken with a caramelized crispy coating that’s simply irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 10-12 pieces)
- 12 slices of turkey bacon (1 slice per tender)
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (optional, depending on the saltiness of the bacon)
- Cooking spray or parchment paper for baking sheet
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Spice Mix:
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Wrap the Chicken Tenders:
- Wrap each chicken tender tightly with a slice of turkey bacon. If needed, secure the ends with a toothpick.
Coat with Brown Sugar Mixture:
- Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Arrange and Bake:
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each piece.
Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let them cool slightly before serving. Serve as an appetizer or main dish with your favorite dipping sauce!
Servings:
- Makes about 4 servings (2-3 tenders per serving)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: ~550mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the brands and quantities used.)
Benefits:
- High Protein: Great for muscle repair and growth.
- Lower Fat Option: Using turkey bacon reduces fat compared to traditional bacon.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Kid-Friendly: Sweet and savory flavors that kids love!
Tips and Notes:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture.
- If the bacon isn’t crispy enough, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Toothpicks help keep the bacon in place but remember to remove them before serving.
- These tenders taste great with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
A: Absolutely! Just note that regular bacon may produce more grease, so use a rack over the baking sheet to allow the fat to drip off.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare them in advance and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
A: Yes, just cut the chicken breast into strips for even cooking and easier wrapping.
Enjoy these delicious Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders at your next gathering or as a family dinner. They’re guaranteed to be a hit!