Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, mouth-watering turkey tender that's wrapped in sizzling bacon and coated with a tantalizing blend of sweet brown sugar and fiery chili powder. These Sweet Spicy Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenders are about to become your new obsession - a dish that promises to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing with excitement!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey tenderloins
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will allow the excess fat to drain off the bacon while cooking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly blended.
- Take the turkey tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the bacon adhere better and ensure a nice crispy texture.
- Season the turkey tenderloins with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.
- Wrap each turkey tenderloin with a slice of bacon, making sure to cover the entire piece. You can secure the bacon with toothpicks if necessary, but it should hold together during cooking.
- Once all the turkey tenderloins are wrapped in bacon, roll them in the brown sugar and spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Place the bacon-wrapped turkey tenders on the wire rack, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the turkey is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the tenders for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the turkey tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain their juices.
- Serve the sweet spicy bacon-wrapped turkey tenders warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Tips
- Pat the turkey tenderloins completely dry before wrapping to ensure the bacon adheres perfectly and crisps up beautifully.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow excess fat to drain, preventing soggy bacon and ensuring a crisp, golden exterior.
- Don't skip the seasoning step - the combination of brown sugar and chili powder creates a magical sweet-and-spicy coating that elevates the entire dish.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- For extra crispiness, consider a quick broil in the final minutes of cooking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
