Caramelized Bacon and Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
3. Prepare Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. Pat chicken tenders dry, rub with olive oil, and coat with the spice blend.
4. Sear Chicken:
   In the reserved bacon fat, sear chicken tenders for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Work in batches as needed.
5. Bake:
   Transfer seared tenders to the wire rack. Sprinkle with cooked bacon and bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and sticky.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Top with chopped chives. Serve hot with optional honey drizzle or dipping sauce.

Variations:

• Maple Twist: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, woodsy sweetness.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Herb-Infused: Add thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mix for an herby profile.

Tips:

• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for an hour beforehand to enhance tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure tenders reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
• For a crispier result, broil the chicken during the final 2 minutes of baking.

These tenders are everything you crave in comfort food—bold, crispy, tender, and unapologetically flavorful.