1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little preparation step always reminds me of those moments when I’d peek into the oven, waiting for the magic to happen.
2. Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This step is where the magic blend of flavors begins.
4. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over each wrapped tender, pressing gently to ensure it adheres to the bacon.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Once done, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This is when the aroma fills the kitchen, a signal that dinner is ready to be enjoyed.

Remember, every dish has its own tale to tell, and these tenders are no different. They’re a testament to the simple joys of creating something wonderful from a handful of ingredients.