Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are the perfect combination of savory, crispy, and juicy. This irresistible dish features tender chicken strips wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon, making for a flavor-packed meal or appetizer that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something delicious, these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are guaranteed to impress with their satisfying crunch and succulent chicken. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 10-12 pieces)
- 10-12 slices of bacon (preferably thick-cut)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling, optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. - Prepare the chicken tenders:
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them cook more evenly and crisp up better when wrapped in bacon. - Season the chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken tenders, ensuring each piece is coated well. - Wrap with bacon:
Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each seasoned chicken tender, securing the bacon at the ends. If necessary, you can use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place, but they’re usually not needed if the bacon is wrapped snugly. - Cook the bacon-wrapped tenders:
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for air circulation. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the bacon for extra crispiness. - Bake in the oven:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy and golden. To ensure even cooking, you can flip the tenders halfway through the baking time. - Optional glaze:
For a touch of sweetness, drizzle the baked chicken tenders with a little honey in the last 5 minutes of baking. The honey will caramelize on the bacon, adding a beautiful glaze and extra flavor. - Serve and enjoy:
Once the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through, remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.