What are some of the best Bacon-Wrapped Chicken tenders? It’s like chicken nuggets grew up and decided to get fancy… but without all the fuss. When you were little, bacon was the best thing to eat. Now that you’ve grown up, remember those days? What is a family favorite? My kids ask for it at least once a week. Is it easier to order takeout than ordering pizza? If you love bacon and chicken, get ready to fall head-over-heels for this recipe! Is it like pigs in a blanket?
What is a bacon-wrapped chicken tender?
Let’s break it down. Think of **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders** as juicy, tender strips of Chicken Breast, lovingly wrapped. Served swaddled in crispy bacon. What is the perfect marriage of two of the best flavors on earth? We’re not just talking about slapping bacon on a chicken tender and calling it day. No, no. We’re talking about a flavorful, almost gourmet-feeling experience that’s secretly ridiculously easy to make. Is it like taking your favorite comfort food and giving it a spa day? What are some great appetizers to serve on a weeknight?
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken tenders** is how unbelievably simple it is. Even on those crazy weeknights when I’m juggling a million things, I can whip this up in under 30 minutes. What is the flavor? What’s the best combination of bacon, chicken, and sweetness? How do you glaze them? Is it a flavor explosion in every bite? The crispy bacon with the juicy chicken tender is a perfect match.Flavor:What is bacon? What are the crispy edges, the smoky aroma, and that salty goodness that just makes everything taste good? Then, the chicken stays super tender and juicy, so it’s not like you’re just eating dry, boring food. Can you wrap chicken in bacon?Simplicity:Is this recipe foolproof? Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can nail this. No fancy techniques or complicated steps involved.Cost-What are some good cheap chicken tenders and bacon? How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank?Versatility:What are some good appetizers to serve as a main course? I’ve seen people chop them up and put them in salads! They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. I always make extra because they never last long. Can you vary the flavor of bacon?
How do you make bacon-wrapped chicken tenders?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to cook chicken tenders? What is the difference between bacon and chicken? How do I glaze it? Is it safe to brush your teeth with maple syrup or honey? Touch of sweetness. Is it really a simple recipe?
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders: Fresh is always best, but frozen will work in a pinch. • 1 lb bacon: I like using thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and flavor, but any bacon will do.
For the Marinade (optional, but recommended):
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a nice umami flavor. • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Glaze (optional):
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup: You can also use honey or Brown Sugar. • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick.
What are the steps for
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together the Olive Oil, soy sauce, black pepper, and paprika. Set aside. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. This step is optional, but it adds a ton of flavor to the chicken.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken
If you want to wrap a chicken tender with bacon, secure the bacon with toothpick if needed. I usually don’t need toothpicks, but it depends on how thick your bacon is.
Step 4: Bake
Place the **bacon-wrapped chicken tenders** on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t sticking to the pan. 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).
Step 5: Glaze (Optional)
If you’re using a glaze, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard in an airtight container. Set aside. During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the glaze over the chicken tenders.
Step 6: Serve
Let the tenders cool slightly before serving. Remove the toothpicks (if used). And watch them disappear!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ideas for chicken tenders? To take them to the next level.
For Lunch:Serve them with a side of Sweet Potato fries and salad.
For Dinner:What are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables?
For a Party:Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch, BBQ sauce, and Honey Mustard.
For Cozy Snacks:I love to dip mine in Honey Mustard dipping sauce or even a spicy mayo. Is it a game changer?
My family loves these with mac and cheese. It’s a match made in heaven. What is your favorite dipping sauce? I’ve tried them with everything from ranch to sriracha mayo, and they’re always a hit.
What are some tips for perfecting bacon-wrapped chicken tenders?
How do you make a Bacon-wrapped chicken? Is the tenders perfect?
Bacon Quality:Why should I buy bacon? I prefer thick cut bacon because it gets extra crispy.
Don’t overc Make sure to space out the tenders on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, the bacon won’t get crispy.
Internal Temperature:Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it’s fully cooked. Why do people eat undercooked chicken?
Baking Time: I’ve had to make adjustments to the baking time based on my oven. You might need to adjust yours to fit your kitchen.
Glaze it Up:Don’t be afraid to get creative with glaze. Experiment with different flavors, like Brown Sugar and soy sauce, or even a spicy sriracha glaze.
What are the flavor combinationsCan you change the bacon flavor? What are some good maple-flavored bacon recipes?
How do you make bacon wrapped chicken tenders? What are some good dipping sauces?
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the **bacon-wrapped chicken tenders** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each tender individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the bacon won’t be as crispy.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re glazing the chicken tenders, I recommend adding the glaze after reheating them, to prevent them from getting soggy during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for **bacon-wrapped chicken tenders**! These little bites of heaven are the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and juicy, and they’re incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other bacon-wrapped delights. Happy cooking! And let me know in the comments how yours turn out! I love to see your creations!
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken tenders
- 8 slices Bacon
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix paprika and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.
