Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better.
Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Rub the brown sugar mixture all over the chicken tenders, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Cook the Bacon:
If you haven’t already cooked the bacon, do so by frying it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into small pieces.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
Add the chicken tenders to the skillet, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Sear the chicken on each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
Bake the Chicken:
Once the chicken tenders are seared, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the chicken tenders.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy:
