Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of flavors that elevate the classic chicken tender to new heights. Imagine tender, juicy chicken enveloped in crispy, savory bacon—this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes the taste buds. Originating from the heart of American cuisine, bacon-wrapped dishes have long been a favorite at barbecues and family gatherings, symbolizing comfort and indulgence.

People adore bacon wrapped chicken tenders for their irresistible combination of textures: the crunch of the bacon perfectly complements the succulent chicken, creating a mouthwatering bite every time. Additionally, this recipe is incredibly convenient, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these tenders are sure to impress and satisfy, making them a beloved choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken Tenders

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure that the bacon becomes crispy while the chicken cooks through.
2. Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the seasoning adhere better to the chicken.
3. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, ensuring each piece is well-coated. You can also rub the spices into the chicken for better flavor absorption.
5. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, drizzle the honey over the seasoned chicken tenders and toss to coat. This will add a nice caramelization to the bacon as it cooks.

Preparing the Bacon

1. While the chicken is absorbing the flavors from the seasoning, take the bacon slices and cut them in half. This will give you 16 pieces of bacon, which is perfect for wrapping each chicken tender.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, lightly cook the bacon for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want the bacon to be partially cooked but not crispy. This step helps render some of the fat and makes it easier to wrap around the chicken.
3. Once the bacon is partially cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Allow it to cool slightly before wrapping.

Wrapping the Chicken Tenders

1. Take one chicken tender and place a half slice of bacon at one end. Start wrapping the bacon around the chicken tender, overlapping slightly as you go. This ensures that the chicken is fully covered and the bacon stays in place during cooking.
2. Once you reach the end of the chicken tender, secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders until they are all wrapped in bacon.
3. As you wrap the chicken tenders, place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cooking the Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

1. Drizzle the olive oil over the wrapped chicken tenders. This will help the bacon crisp up nicely in the oven.
2. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken tenders and the bacon. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. After 15 minutes of baking, check the chicken tenders. If the bacon is not browning as desired, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist.

Serving the Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

1. Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken tenders if you used them. This step is important to avoid any choking hazards.
2. Transfer the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders to a serving platter. You can garnish them with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
3. Serve the chicken tenders warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces. Some popular options include ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
4. Enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped chicken tenders as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. They are perfect for parties,

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game with a dish that is both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious. The combination of tender chicken and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Not only does this recipe deliver on flavor, but it also offers versatility; you can serve these delectable tenders with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. For those looking to mix things up, consider adding a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices to the chicken before wrapping it in bacon, or even experimenting with different types of bacon, such as maple or peppered, to enhance the flavor profile. You can also try wrapping the chicken tenders with other ingredients like cheese or jalapeños for an added twist. We encourage you to try this Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders recipe and share your experience with us! Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a game day party, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these tenders are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media to show off your culinary creation. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 40 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Enjoy these crispy bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, seasoned to perfection and baked until golden. They make a delicious appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound chicken tenders
   • 8 slices of bacon
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
   • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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   Instructions

   1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   2. Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
   3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
   4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, rubbing it in for better flavor absorption.
   5. Drizzle honey over the seasoned chicken if desired and toss to coat.
   6. Cut the bacon slices in half to create 16 pieces.
   7. In a skillet over medium heat, lightly cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes on each side until partially cooked.
   8. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
   9. Take one chicken tender and place a half slice of bacon at one end. Wrap the bacon around the chicken, overlapping slightly.
   10. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary and place the wrapped tenders seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   11. Drizzle olive oil over the wrapped chicken tenders.
   12. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   13. If the bacon isn’t browning, switch to broil for the last 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
   14. Let the chicken tenders rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
   15. Remove toothpicks if used.
   16. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with parsley if desired.
   17. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

   Notes

   • For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken tenders in the seasoning mix for a few hours before wrapping them in bacon.
   • Feel free to experiment with different spices or sauces to customize the flavor to your liking.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 25 minutes