Elevate your dinner game with these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders, a simple yet spectacular dish that combines the succulent tenderness of chicken with the smoky richness of bacon. This recipe is a surefire way to delight your taste buds and impress your guests, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to more festive gatherings, these chicken tenders are not only delicious but also visually appealing. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the juicy chicken encased in a crispy bacon shell, making for an unforgettable culinary experience. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders:
- Flavor Fusion: The combination of chicken and bacon delivers a smoky, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack – they’re sure to be a hit in any setting.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just a few basic ingredients for a gourmet-level outcome.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep and cooking time, these tenders are a breeze to whip up.
Ingredients Notes For Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken Tenders: Boneless, skinless chicken tenders are ideal for their size and tenderness.
- Bacon: Select thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and to ensure it crisps up nicely.
- Seasonings: A blend of your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, enhances the flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Optional, for those who enjoy a sweet contrast to the savory bacon.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with your chosen spices. If using, sprinkle a little brown sugar over each tender for a caramelized finish.
- Wrap with Bacon: Carefully wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary.
- Cook: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. For added crispiness, broil for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. These tenders can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm up in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the bacon’s crispiness.Elevate your dinner game with these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders, a simple yet spectacular dish that combines the succulent tenderness of chicken with the smoky richness of bacon. This recipe is a surefire way to delight your taste buds and impress your guests, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to more festive gatherings, these chicken tenders are not only delicious but also visually appealing. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the juicy chicken encased in a crispy bacon shell, making for an unforgettable culinary experience. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders:
- Flavor Fusion: The combination of chicken and bacon delivers a smoky, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack – they’re sure to be a hit in any setting.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just a few basic ingredients for a gourmet-level outcome.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep and cooking time, these tenders are a breeze to whip up.
Ingredients Notes For Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken Tenders: Boneless, skinless chicken tenders are ideal for their size and tenderness.
- Bacon: Select thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and to ensure it crisps up nicely.
- Seasonings: A blend of your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, enhances the flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Optional, for those who enjoy a sweet contrast to the savory bacon.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with your chosen spices. If using, sprinkle a little brown sugar over each tender for a caramelized finish.
- Wrap with Bacon: Carefully wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary.
- Cook: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. For added crispiness, broil for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. These tenders can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm up in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the bacon’s crispiness.
Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 package (about 12 slices) bacon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste (optional)
- Brown sugar, for sprinkling (optional for a sweet and savory flavor)
- Your favorite barbecue sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. The rack helps the bacon to cook evenly without getting soggy from sitting in its own grease.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken tenders and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- Wrap the Chicken:
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Start at one end and wrap the bacon around the tender, slightly overlapping as you go. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary. For added sweetness, you can sprinkle a little brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped tenders.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the tenders, making the bacon crispy all around.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, you can broil the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken tenders cool slightly before serving. Serve them with your favorite barbecue sauce for dipping.
