Ultimate Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Recipes Italian Chef

Ultimate Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Bacon wrapped chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course that combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with the smoky, savory goodness of bacon. This recipe is simple, quick, and delivers a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or just craving something incredibly delicious, these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a guaranteed hit.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort. It’s perfect for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of chicken and bacon is a classic for a reason. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
* **Versatile:** You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding different seasonings, sauces, or dipping options.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves bacon, and everyone loves chicken! This dish is always a hit at parties and gatherings.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** These chicken tenders cook quickly in the oven or air fryer, making them a great option for a fast and easy meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Tenders:** 1.5 – 2 lbs of chicken tenders, trimmed of any excess fat.
* **Bacon:** 1 lb of thin-cut bacon. Thinner bacon cooks more evenly and crisps up better.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. This helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet or air fryer basket.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the savory flavor.
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon. Provides a smoky and slightly sweet flavor and adds a beautiful color.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a subtle kick.
* **Optional Seasonings:** Feel free to add other seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking. Some great options include cayenne pepper for heat, Italian seasoning for an herby flavor, or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet or Air Fryer:** A baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, or an air fryer basket.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For mixing the seasonings.
* **Tongs:** For handling the chicken tenders.
* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the chicken and bacon.
* **Knife:** For trimming the chicken and cutting the bacon (if needed).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly cooked and delicious bacon wrapped chicken tenders.

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Remove the chicken tenders from the packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes browning.
* Trim any excess fat or tendons from the chicken tenders. This will ensure even cooking and a more enjoyable eating experience.
* Place the chicken tenders in a mixing bowl.

**2. Season the Chicken:**

* In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.
* Pour the seasoning blend over the chicken tenders in the bowl.
* Use your hands or a spoon to toss the chicken tenders until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Make sure every tender is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.

**3. Wrap the Chicken with Bacon:**

* Cut the bacon strips in half. This will make them easier to wrap around the chicken tenders.
* Take one piece of chicken tender and one half-strip of bacon.
* Starting at one end of the chicken tender, wrap the bacon strip around the chicken, overlapping the edges slightly.
* Secure the end of the bacon with a toothpick, if necessary. This will help keep the bacon in place during cooking. However, if you wrap tightly, toothpicks might not be needed.
* Repeat the process with the remaining chicken tenders and bacon strips.

**4. Cook the Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders:**

*You have two options for cooking these delicious treats: baking or air frying. Both methods yield fantastic results, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and equipment.*

**Option 1: Baking in the Oven:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the chicken tenders from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* Arrange the bacon wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* If the bacon is not crispy enough after 20-25 minutes, you can broil the chicken tenders for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch them closely to prevent burning.

**Option 2: Air Frying:**

* Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
* Place the bacon wrapped chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
* Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crisping of the bacon.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Once the bacon wrapped chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the oven or air fryer.
* Let them cool slightly for a few minutes before serving.
* Remove any toothpicks that were used to secure the bacon.
* Serve the bacon wrapped chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

## Tips for Perfectly Cooked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

* **Use Thin-Cut Bacon:** Thin-cut bacon cooks more evenly and crisps up better than thick-cut bacon. It also wraps more easily around the chicken tenders.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet or Air Fryer:** Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook the chicken tenders in batches if necessary.
* **Pat the Chicken Dry:** Patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes browning.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Watch Closely When Broiling:** If you broil the chicken tenders to crisp up the bacon, watch them closely to prevent burning. Broiling can quickly turn into burning if you’re not careful.
* **Adjust Seasonings to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for a more intense flavor. You can also add other seasonings, such as cayenne pepper for heat or brown sugar for sweetness.

## Dipping Sauce Suggestions

Bacon wrapped chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but they are even better with a dipping sauce. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Ranch Dressing:** A classic dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken and bacon.
* **Honey Mustard:** A sweet and tangy dipping sauce that complements the smoky bacon flavor.
* **BBQ Sauce:** A smoky and sweet dipping sauce that adds a touch of barbecue flavor.
* **Sriracha Mayo:** A spicy and creamy dipping sauce that adds a kick of heat.
* **Blue Cheese Dressing:** A tangy and creamy dipping sauce that pairs well with bacon.
* **Buffalo Sauce:** For a spicy kick, try buffalo sauce!

## Variations and Customization

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, over the chicken tenders before wrapping them with bacon. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer.
* **Use Different Seasonings:** Experiment with different seasonings to create unique flavor combinations. Try using Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or chili powder.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinate the chicken tenders in your favorite marinade for extra flavor. Some great marinade options include teriyaki sauce, lemon juice, or a combination of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
* **Add a Glaze:** Brush the bacon wrapped chicken tenders with a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. Some great glaze options include honey, maple syrup, or a mixture of BBQ sauce and honey.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning blend for a spicy kick.

## Serving Suggestions

Bacon wrapped chicken tenders can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or a snack. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Appetizer:** Serve the bacon wrapped chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces for a party appetizer.
* **Main Course:** Serve the bacon wrapped chicken tenders with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal.
* **Snack:** Serve the bacon wrapped chicken tenders as a snack for game day or a movie night.
* **In Wraps or Sandwiches:** Slice the cooked chicken tenders and use them as filling for wraps, sandwiches, or sliders.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover bacon wrapped chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the chicken tenders in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until heated through. The oven and air fryer will yield the best results, as they will help to crisp up the bacon.
* **Freeze:** Freeze the bacon wrapped chicken tenders in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size.*

* Calories: 250-350 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
* Fat: 15-25 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 2-5 grams per serving

## Conclusion

Bacon wrapped chicken tenders are a delicious, easy, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate bacon wrapped chicken tender experience! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to create your own unique flavor combinations. Happy cooking!

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