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Beef Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders: Sweet & Savory Glaze

Sweet & Sticky Beef Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Chicken tenders Or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 8-10 slices Beef bacon Thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar Light or dark, packed
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper Freshly cracked
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper Optional, for a kick

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top if available (helps with crisping), or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside.
  • Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Wrap one slice of beef bacon spirally around each chicken tender. If the bacon is loose, try tucking the ends under the wrap; beef bacon shrinks tighter than pork, so toothpicks are usually not needed if wrapped snugly.
  • Press each bacon-wrapped tender into the brown sugar mixture, coating all sides generously. The moisture from the chicken and bacon will help the sugar adhere.
  • Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Sprinkle any remaining sugar mixture over the tops.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes. If the bacon isn't crispy enough, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent the sugar from burning.
  • Remove from the oven when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set.