Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Introduction
Imagine biting into a juicy chicken tender wrapped in crispy bacon. The combination of tender chicken and smoky bacon is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a party, bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating this delectable dish. So, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why this bacon-wrapped chicken tenders recipe is a winner. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Secondly, the combination of chicken and bacon creates an explosion of flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Additionally, this recipe can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences. Whether you’re following a keto, paleo, or low-carb diet, these chicken tenders can be enjoyed by all.
Ingredients
To make these succulent bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of chicken tenders
– 12 slices of bacon
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: BBQ sauce for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own mouthwatering bacon-wrapped chicken tenders:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken tenders cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the chicken tenders, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken tender. Secure the bacon in place with toothpicks, if needed. Repeat this process until all the chicken tenders are wrapped in bacon.
Step 4: Cook in the Oven
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them with olive oil to help crisp up the bacon. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce or ranch dressing. These bacon-wrapped chicken tenders also make a delicious main course when paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
– Use thin-sliced bacon: Thin bacon works best for this recipe as it cooks faster and becomes crispier.
– Partially cook the bacon: For extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon slices before wrapping them around the chicken tenders. This will prevent the bacon from becoming too chewy.
– Marinate the chicken: For added flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in your favorite marinade for 30 minutes to an hour before wrapping them in bacon.
Variations and Substitutions
While bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are delicious on their own, you can get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions to consider:
– Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Tenders: Before wrapping the bacon around the chicken, stuff each tender with a slice of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
– Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: Add a kick of heat by sprinkling cayenne pepper or chili powder over the chicken tenders before wrapping them in bacon.
– Turkey Bacon: If you prefer a leaner option, substitute the regular bacon with turkey bacon. The result will still be delicious, with a slightly different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:
– Appetizer: Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders as an appetizer with a side of tangy BBQ sauce or creamy ranch dressing for dipping.
– Main Course: Pair the chicken tenders with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying main course.
– Sandwiches: Slice the cooked bacon-wrapped chicken tenders and use them as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments for a delicious meal on-the-go.
FAQs
Here are some common questions readers have about bacon-wrapped chicken tenders:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken breasts, you can slice them into strips and follow the same steps to create bacon-wrapped chicken breast tenders. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While these chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can partially prepare them ahead of time. Wrap the chicken tenders with bacon and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the baking instructions as usual.
What can I serve with bacon-wrapped chicken tenders?
These chicken tenders pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, you can also add a side of rice or pasta.
Final Thoughts
Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a true delight for meat lovers and can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving a tasty snack, these chicken tenders will surely satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. We guarantee that once you taste the crispy bacon and tender chicken, you’ll be hooked!
Share your experience with this recipe in the comments below. We’d love to hear how your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders turned out and any creative variations you tried. Happy cooking!
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders:
Juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 12 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: BBQ sauce for dipping
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Season chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
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Place the wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked.
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Serve with BBQ sauce for dipping and enjoy!
