Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders (Printer-Friendly)
Savory chicken tenders with smoky bacon and a hint of brown sugar for a quick, juicy dinner option.
# What You'll Need:
→ Seasoning Mix
01 -
1 tablespoon brown sugar
02 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
03 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 -
½ teaspoon salt
06 -
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Main Ingredients
07 -
1 pound chicken tenders
08 -
8 slices regular cut bacon
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Heat the oven to 350 °F and position a wire rack on a baking sheet to promote even air circulation under the bacon.
02 -
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly blended.
03 -
Add chicken tenders to the seasoning bowl and toss until all sides are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
04 -
Wrap each seasoned chicken tender snugly with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly to fully encase the chicken.
05 -
Place the bacon-wrapped tenders seam-side down on the wire rack, ensuring they are spaced apart for proper crisping.
06 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F and the bacon begins to turn golden.
07 -
Set the oven to broil, position the pan near the top rack, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, monitoring closely to crisp the bacon without burning.
08 -
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness before serving with preferred dipping sauces.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For deeper flavor, allow the spice rub to sit on the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes before wrapping. To maintain crispiness, bake on a rack and crisp under the broiler at the end.
02 -
If bacon is extra fatty, drain excess fat halfway through baking to improve texture.
03 -
To reheat, bake briefly in a hot oven instead of microwaving to restore crispness.