Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well mixed to create a marinade.
Place the chicken tenders in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Chop the bacon into small pieces. Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the bacon, and cook until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
In the same frying pan with some bacon drippings, add the marinated chicken tenders and sear them on both sides for 2-3 minutes each until browned.
Transfer the seared chicken tenders to the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the cooked bacon bits evenly over the top of the chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm, and enjoy your sweet and savory Caramelized Bacon and Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders!