Description
Juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet and smoky caramelized glaze—what’s not to love? These Caramelized Bacon Chicken Tender Bites are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, making them a hit for parties, dinners, or anytime snacking. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 10 slices thin bacon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top to allow for even cooking and keep the bites from sitting in grease.
2. Mix the Spice Coating
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until evenly blended and set aside.
3. Wrap the Chicken in Bacon
- Wrap each chicken tender tightly with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly to secure it.
- Repeat until all chicken tenders are wrapped.
4. Coat the Chicken Bites
- Dredge each bacon-wrapped chicken tender in the spice mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared wire rack, spacing them apart for even cooking.
5. Bake the Chicken Bites
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
6. Broil for Extra Caramelization
- Turn the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sugar coating further. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the bites rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American