Tired of bland, boring chicken tenders? Say goodbye to the blah and hello to a flavor explosion with these easy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders! This simple recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crispy, savory delight that will have everyone begging for more. We’re talking juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a sweet and savory spice blend that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to elevate your chicken game!
Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
These aren’t your average chicken tenders. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
- Unbelievable Flavor: The combination of the smoky bacon, the sweet and savory spice rub, and the juicy chicken is a taste sensation.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have these on the table in under an hour.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this bacon-wrapped twist on a classic.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these chicken tenders are always a hit.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders so amazing. The key here is balance – we’re aiming for a delightful dance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving this culinary harmony.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Tenders: The star of the show! Choose fresh, high-quality chicken tenders for the best results. Look for tenders that are plump and evenly sized so they cook evenly.
- 1 lb Bacon, thinly sliced: The bacon not only adds incredible flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist and tender. Thinly sliced bacon is essential; it cooks up crispier and wraps more easily around the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is our secret weapon! Its molasses content adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely caramelization to the bacon as it cooks. This also complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika provides that wonderful smoky flavor that elevates these chicken tenders to the next level. It also adds a beautiful color to the spice rub.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle, yet essential, savory note to the spice blend. It complements the other spices perfectly and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: A touch of black pepper provides a subtle kick and balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. Freshly ground black pepper is always best for the most vibrant flavor.
Crafting Your Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part – putting it all together! Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is incredibly easy, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. The most crucial step here is ensuring the bacon gets nice and crispy without burning the chicken, so pay close attention to the baking time and temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the optimal temperature for cooking the chicken through while allowing the bacon to crisp up nicely. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the chicken in.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. This is your flavor bomb! Mix these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavor. This spice blend is what transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
- Stretch each bacon slice slightly using the back of a knife or your fingers. This is a pro tip that makes a huge difference! Stretching the bacon prevents it from being overly thick and chewy after baking. It also helps it wrap more easily around the chicken tenders. Just be gentle, you don’t want to tear the bacon.
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of the spice mixture over each chicken tender. Don’t be shy with the spices! This is where the flavor comes from. Make sure each chicken tender is well-coated with the spice mixture. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly to secure. Wrap the bacon tightly around the chicken tender to ensure it stays in place during baking. Overlapping the ends helps to secure the bacon and prevent it from unraveling.
- Place the wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your friend! It prevents the chicken tenders from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Sprinkle any remaining spice mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. This adds an extra layer of flavor and ensures the bacon is nicely seasoned.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the chicken tenders. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. If the bacon isn’t quite crispy enough, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Allow the chicken tenders to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken tender.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders Every Time
Want to guarantee bacon-wrapped chicken tender perfection? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure success:
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy bacon. If necessary, bake the chicken tenders in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer. The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken tender and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the spice blend to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a little heat, while a touch of onion powder can enhance the savory flavor.
- For easier clean-up, consider using a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This allows the excess grease to drip away from the chicken tenders, resulting in crispier bacon.
What to Serve With Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
These bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving them with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes are a healthy and delicious side dish. Consider this recipe for a Roasted Sweet Potato Chicken Power Bowl
- Rice Pilaf: A simple rice pilaf is a classic accompaniment to chicken tenders.
- Salad: A crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bacon.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Your Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but make sure to thaw them completely before wrapping them in bacon. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help the bacon crisp up better.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken tenders ahead of time, wrap them in bacon, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to bake them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Yes, you can definitely air fry these! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through. Flip the chicken tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
How do I prevent the bacon from burning?
Keep a close eye on the chicken tenders during baking and adjust the baking time as needed. If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to protect it from the heat. Alternatively, consider reducing the oven temperature slightly.
Enjoy Your Homemade Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders!
There you have it – a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders that will banish bland chicken forever! This is a dish that’s both easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of bacon-wrapped chicken. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! Share your photos on social media, and spread the bacon-wrapped love!
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders (Ends Bland Chicken Forever)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 lb bacon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. This is your flavor bomb!
- Stretch each bacon slice slightly using the back of a knife or your fingers. This prevents overly thick, chewy bacon.
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of the spice mixture over each chicken tender.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly to secure.
- Place the wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle any remaining spice mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). If the bacon isn’t quite crispy enough, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let cool slightly before serving.