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Bacon wrapped chicken tenders are the perfect blend of smoky savory and just a hint of sweetness making them a go to dinner when I need something easy that still feels special. These are always a crowd pleaser at my table and you can prep them ahead for busy nights or whip them up quick for last minute guests.
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 look for deep golden sugar
- Onion powder: creates a savory base always check for fresh vibrant powder
- 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
- Bacon strips: crisp up while keeping the chicken moist regular cut bacon works best for even cooking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees F and line a sheet pan with a cooling rack to allow air flow for crisp bacon
- Mix the Seasoning:
- In a large bowl stir together brown sugar onion powder garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper until no lumps remain
- Coat the Chicken:
- Place your chicken tenders in the bowl and toss thoroughly so all sides are evenly coated with the spice mix
- Wrap the Chicken:
- Take a strip of bacon and wrap it snugly around each chicken tender try to slightly overlap so all the chicken is covered
- Arrange for Baking:
- Lay the wrapped chicken tenders seam side down on the rack in the prepared pan with a little space between each
- Bake Until Done:
- Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through and the bacon is turning golden
- Broil for Crispiness:
- Switch the oven to broil move the pan a bit closer to the top and broil each side for two to three minutes watching closely until the bacon crisps as you like
- Rest and Serve:
- Take the pan out and let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy
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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 fridge and they will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat the best way is in 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 and freeze them raw on a sheet pan then transfer to a freezer bag for a busy night later
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch out the chicken tenders for thin slices of boneless chicken breast or even turkey if you have it on hand. Feel free to play with seasoning add a pinch of chili powder for heat or try maple sugar instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness. For a lower sodium version choose reduced sodium bacon or skip the salt in the spice blend
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Serving Suggestions
These are so versatile you can serve them as a main dish with mashed potatoes or a crisp salad or offer them as an appetizer with small forks and lots of different sauces. My family likes honey mustard and barbecue for dipping but ranch or even a bit of spicy sriracha mayonnaise works great too
Cultural Context
Bacon wrapped recipes have always been popular in American home cooking often served at barbecues or family get togethers. Wrapping meat in bacon is a classic way to keep it moist while adding smoky flavor and it feels comforting and indulgent without any tricky technique
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the bacon crispy on the chicken tenders?
Bake the tenders on a rack to allow air circulation, and briefly broil at the end to crisp up the bacon.
- → Can I use thick-cut bacon for this dish?
Yes, but thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook, so monitor to ensure thorough doneness without overcooking the chicken.
- → Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, season and wrap the chicken up to one day in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, and spicy aioli are all delicious options to serve alongside the tenders.
- → Can these be frozen for later?
Yes, freeze after assembling and baking, then reheat in the oven when needed to serve fresh-tasting tenders.
- → How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results.