Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders: These are small strips of chicken breast that cook quickly and stay tender.

Bacon: Thin slices of pork that add a smoky, crispy layer around the chicken.

Garlic powder: A seasoning that adds a mild garlic flavor without the texture of fresh garlic.

Paprika: A spice made from ground peppers that gives a smoky, slightly sweet taste and a nice color.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the chicken and bacon.

Black pepper: Adds a little bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

One of the most helpful little tricks in this Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders Recipe is how you wrap the bacon around the chicken tenders. It might seem simple, but doing it right makes a big difference in how the bacon cooks and how the whole dish turns out. Here’s how I like to do it:

1. Lay out a slice of bacon flat on your work surface.
2. Take one seasoned chicken tender and place it at one end of the bacon slice.
3. Roll the bacon tightly around the chicken tender, making sure the ends of the bacon overlap a little so it stays wrapped.
4. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place by poking it through the middle of the roll.

Wrapping the bacon snugly like this helps it cook evenly and get nice and crispy without falling off. If the bacon is loose, it might shrink and unwrap while baking, which means you lose that perfect crispy layer. Plus, the tight wrap keeps the chicken juicy inside because the bacon acts like a little jacket, locking in moisture.

When I first tried this recipe, I didn’t use toothpicks, and the bacon kept slipping off in the oven. It was a bit messy! Now, I always use toothpicks, and it makes everything so much easier. Also, if you want to save time, you can use pre-cut bacon slices or even cut regular slices in half if your chicken tenders are small. Just make sure the bacon covers the chicken well enough to get that tasty, crispy finish.

• chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey tenders: Turkey tenders have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.

• bacon - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto is a thinly sliced cured ham that provides a similar salty and savory flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the dish.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit more heat but maintains a similar smoky flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the bacon wrapped chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bacon soggy.

• Place the cooled tenders in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

• Reheat thawed tenders in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon rubbery.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the tenders loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the bacon from over-crisping while the chicken heats through.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want the bacon to crisp up again.
  6. Let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. Be cautious as the bacon may not be as crispy as when freshly baked.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Let rest for a minute before serving.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let rest for a minute before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the chicken tenders on while they bake.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the chicken tenders from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

• Toothpicks: Used to secure the bacon around each chicken tender to ensure it stays wrapped during baking.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine and evenly coat the chicken tenders with the seasoning.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the seasoned chicken tenders onto the baking sheet and for removing them once cooked.

• Knife: Useful for trimming any excess fat from the bacon or chicken tenders if necessary.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for any trimming or preparation of the chicken tenders and bacon.

• Cooling rack: Allows the chicken tenders to rest and cool slightly after baking, ensuring they remain crispy.

Preheat efficiently: Preheat your oven while you prepare the chicken tenders to save time.

Use pre-cut chicken: Buy pre-cut chicken tenders to skip the cutting step.

Season in a bag: Place chicken tenders and seasonings in a resealable bag and shake to coat evenly.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to avoid scrubbing the baking sheet later.

Batch wrap: Wrap all chicken tenders with bacon at once to streamline the process.

Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to quickly check if the chicken is cooked through.