Description
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors! Maple Bacon Chicken Tender Explosion is a tantalizing dish that combines the sweet richness of maple syrup with the savory crispiness of bacon. This irresistible combination creates a harmonious balance of sweet and savory, making it a fan-favorite among chicken lovers. Whether you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Tenders: The star of the show, these tender and juicy chicken strips provide the perfect canvas for the sweet and savory flavors.
- 1/2 cup Maple Syrup: The key to the dish’s signature sweetness, maple syrup adds a rich, caramelized note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 6 strips Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon is the perfect counterpoint to the maple syrup, providing a delightful crunch and salty contrast.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder: Enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky richness.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Helps the chicken tenders bake to a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish, adding a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Marinade
In a bowl, combine the maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken tenders in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Add the Bacon
In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken tenders.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Consider pairing with side dishes like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For dipping, try ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg