Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are a savory, crispy, and utterly delicious appetizer perfect for parties, game day snacks, or family gatherings. Combining juicy chicken tenders with the smoky flavor of bacon and a sweet BBQ glaze, these tenders are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of spices and bacon ensures that every bite is both juicy and crispy, making it hard to stop at just one. Plus, with a customizable BBQ glaze, you can adjust the sweetness and spice to suit your preferences. Let’s dive into how to make these crowd-pleasing bacon-wrapped chicken tenders.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that will help you create the perfect bacon-wrapped chicken tenders:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders: Chicken tenders are perfect for this recipe because of their uniform size and ability to stay juicy when wrapped in bacon.
  • 12 slices of bacon: Choose a regular-cut bacon that crisps up nicely in the oven without overpowering the chicken.

Seasoning Mix:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the chicken.
  • 1 tsp paprika: Provides a mild smokiness and enhances the color of the chicken.
  • 1 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds depth to the seasoning.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds moisture.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar: Contributes to the sweetness in the BBQ glaze, creating a sticky, caramelized finish.
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own for added flavor. It provides a tangy, smoky element to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Creating these delicious bacon-wrapped chicken tenders is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create your seasoning blend.
  3. Rub the chicken tenders with olive oil, ensuring each piece is coated. This helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist during cooking.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all the chicken tenders, making sure to cover both sides.

Step 2: Wrap with Bacon

  1. Take each seasoned chicken tender and wrap it with a slice of bacon. Start at one end of the tender and spiral the bacon around it, ensuring there is minimal overlap. If needed, use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place.
  2. Place the bacon-wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet with the seam-side down to help the bacon stay in place while cooking.

Step 3: Make the BBQ Glaze

  1. In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar and your favorite BBQ sauce. This combination creates a delicious glaze that will caramelize beautifully in the oven, giving the tenders a sticky, sweet, and smoky finish.
  2. Brush the BBQ glaze generously over each bacon-wrapped chicken tender, ensuring that every part is coated.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken Tenders

  1. Place the baking sheet with the bacon-wrapped tenders in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. This should be enough time for the chicken to cook through and for the bacon to crisp up.
  2. For extra crispy bacon, turn on the broiler and broil the tenders for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving & Storage Tips

Once the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are golden and crispy, it’s time to serve them up! Here are some tips on how to serve and store this delicious dish:

Serving Suggestions

These tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

  • As an appetizer: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or extra BBQ sauce for an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
  • With sides: For a complete meal, pair the tenders with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a green salad.
  • Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor right before serving.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), follow these simple tips for storage:

  • Refrigerate: Store the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the bacon.

Recipe Variations: Customize Your Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Herbed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

For a more herbaceous flavor, swap out the paprika and garlic powder for Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence. This will give the tenders a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

If you prefer a sweeter finish, mix maple syrup with the brown sugar in place of the BBQ sauce. The maple syrup will caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a rich and sweet glaze that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon is typically thinner and may not crisp up as much as regular bacon. You may need to broil it for an extra minute to achieve the desired crispiness.

Can I grill the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders? Absolutely! Grilling the tenders will give them a nice smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the tenders for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders up to 1 day in advance. Wrap the seasoned chicken tenders with bacon, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to brush them with the glaze right before baking.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion, combining juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a sweet BBQ glaze. The contrast between the crispy bacon and tender chicken makes each bite irresistible, while the seasoning adds depth to the overall flavor. Whether you’re making these for a casual family dinner or serving them at a gathering, they are sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe by trying different seasonings, glazes, or sides to create your ideal version of this classic favorite.

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Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders


  • Author: Isabella Roberts

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken tenders

12 slices of bacon

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup BBQ sauce


Notes

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Rub the chicken tenders with olive oil and then season them with the spice mixture.

Take each chicken tender and wrap a slice of bacon around it. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.

In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar and BBQ sauce.

Brush the BBQ glaze over each bacon-wrapped chicken tender.

Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.

For a crispier bacon, broil the chicken tenders for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy!

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