Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Bacon wrapped chicken tenders bring together juicy poultry and smoky bacon for a crowd-pleasing main dish. Each tender is coated with a flavorful blend of brown sugar, paprika, onion, and garlic powders then wrapped in bacon and baked until crisp. The simple prep involves mixing the seasonings, seasoning the chicken, and wrapping each piece with bacon before oven roasting. A short broil at the end ensures a caramelized, crispy finish. These chicken tenders can be made ahead, frozen, or easily doubled for gatherings. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious and versatile main course.

I remember the first time I made these my whole kitchen filled with the smell of bacon and paprika and everyone came running to see what was cooking. Now I make them whenever I want something guaranteed to bring everyone to the table

Ingredients

• Brown sugar: brings a subtle caramelized sweetness to balance the smoky bacon Choose a deep golden sugar for best flavor
• Onion powder: creates a savory base Always check for fresh vibrant powder to maximize flavor
• Garlic powder: adds a punchy flavor and keeps things simple over minced garlic
• Smoked paprika: infuses a real barbecue depth Opt for Spanish style if you want extra smokiness
• Salt and pepper: round out the seasoning Freshly ground pepper is always best
• Chicken tenders: are quick cooking and juicy Look for plump moist pieces to ensure tenderness
• Bacon strips: crisp up while keeping the chicken moist Regular cut bacon works best for even cooking

Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with a cooling rack to allow air flow which helps the bacon crisp

Mix the Seasoning:

In a large bowl stir together brown sugar onion powder garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper until no lumps remain This creates a balanced spice rub for the chicken

Coat the Chicken:

Place your chicken tenders in the bowl and toss thoroughly making sure all sides are evenly coated with the spice mix This step ensures every bite is flavorful

Wrap the Chicken:

Take a strip of bacon and wrap it snugly around each chicken tender Aim to slightly overlap so that all the chicken is covered

Arrange for Baking:

Lay the wrapped chicken tenders seam side down on the rack in the prepared pan Leave a bit of space between each so the heat circulates nicely

Bake Until Done:

Put the pan in the oven and bake for about twenty five to thirty minutes until the chicken is just cooked through and the bacon is turning golden Brown

Broil for Crispiness:

Switch the oven to broil move the pan closer to the top rack and broil each side for two to three minutes Watch closely as the bacon crisps to your liking This finishing step adds beautiful caramelization

Rest and Serve:

Remove the pan from the oven and let the tenders rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy before serving

My favorite part is how the smoked paprika and bacon come together to create a kind of backyard grill aroma even when I am cooking indoors. Last time I served these at a family game night the plate disappeared before anyone could even ask for seconds

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they will stay fresh for up to three days To reheat you want to use a hot oven to re crisp the bacon instead of the microwave which can make things soggy If you want to prep way ahead wrap seasoned chicken tenders and bacon then freeze them raw on a sheet pan before transferring to a freezer bag This way you can pull out exactly what you need for a busy night later

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap chicken tenders for thin slices of boneless chicken breast or even turkey if you have it Experiment with seasoning by adding a pinch of chili powder for some heat or try maple sugar instead of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness If you want to lower the sodium content choose reduced sodium bacon or skip the salt in the seasoning blend

Serving Suggestions

These tenders are so versatile that you can serve them as a main dish accompanied by mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad They also make fantastic appetizers with small forks and a variety of dipping sauces My family loves honey mustard and barbecue sauce but ranch or a spicy sriracha mayonnaise work beautifully too

These bacon wrapped chicken tenders are an easy crowd pleasing dish that can be prepped ahead or frozen for quick meals. Serve with honey mustard or barbecue sauce for a hit with kids and guests.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do I keep the bacon crispy on the chicken tenders?

Bake the tenders on a rack to allow air circulation and broil briefly at the end to crisp the bacon evenly.

→ Can I use thick-cut bacon for this dish?

Yes, but thick-cut bacon requires longer cooking time. Keep a close watch to avoid overcooking the chicken.

→ Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time?

You can season and wrap the chicken up to one day in advance and refrigerate until baking.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these?

Options like honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, and spicy aioli complement the smoky and sweet flavors well.

→ Can these be frozen for later?

Yes, freeze after assembling and baking, then reheat in the oven to refresh the crispiness.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.