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1. **Prepare the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top if you have one. This will help the bacon crisp up and let excess fat drain off.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
– Coat the chicken tenders with the sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
3. **Wrap with Bacon:**
– Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed. You can also cut the bacon slices in half if you prefer smaller pieces.
4. **Cook the Chicken:**
– Place the wrapped chicken tenders on the wire rack or directly on the prepared baking sheet.
– If you don’t have a wire rack, lightly brush the baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. **Finish and Serve:**
– Remove the toothpicks if used and transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
– Serve hot, and enjoy!
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are sweet, savory, and a perfect finger food for any occasion!