Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Name: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon honey

By Amara Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Bacon

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

There's something special about the combination of crispy bacon and tender chicken that just makes my heart skip a beat. As a home cook, I've always been fascinated by the magic that happens when you wrap chicken in bacon and throw it in the oven. The result is a dish that's both comforting and elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

I remember the first time I made bacon wrapped chicken tenders for my family. It was a Sunday afternoon, and we were all gathered around the dinner table, waiting for the big reveal. The moment I took the tenders out of the oven, the aroma filled the room, and everyone's eyes lit up. The first bite was like a symphony of flavors and textures - the crunch of the bacon, the tenderness of the chicken, and the sweetness of the brown sugar all came together in perfect harmony.

Since then, bacon wrapped chicken tenders have become a staple in our household. We make them for birthday parties, holidays, and even just for a quick weeknight dinner. And the best part is, they're incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make the perfect bacon wrapped chicken tenders. We'll cover everything from the importance of using high-quality ingredients to the secret to getting that perfect crispy bacon. So, let's get started and make some delicious bacon wrapped chicken tenders!

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the tenders as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack for a party. They're also a great option for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave. And, they're perfect for a crowd, as you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a large group of people.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They're easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
They're perfect for a crowd and can be made ahead of time.
They're a great option for meal prep and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
They're versatile and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or snack.
They're a crowd-pleaser and are sure to impress your family and friends.
They're a great way to add some excitement to your weekly dinner routine.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great bacon wrapped chicken tenders is to understand the science behind the cooking process. When you wrap chicken in bacon, the fat from the bacon renders and crisps up, creating a crunchy exterior that's both flavorful and texturally interesting. At the same time, the chicken inside stays moist and tender, thanks to the protection of the bacon.

The other important factor is the temperature and cooking time. By cooking the tenders in a hot oven, we can achieve a crispy exterior and a cooked-through interior in just a few minutes. And, by using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, we can ensure that it's cooked to a safe and healthy temperature.

Finally, the use of brown sugar and smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor to the dish that's hard to resist. The brown sugar caramelizes and creates a sweet and sticky glaze, while the smoked paprika adds a smoky and savory flavor that complements the bacon perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making bacon wrapped chicken tenders, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. You'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken breasts, bacon, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final result.

For the chicken, look for boneless and skinless breasts that are fresh and have no added preservatives. For the bacon, choose a thick-cut and smoked variety that's high in fat, as it will render and crisp up nicely in the oven. For the brown sugar and smoked paprika, use high-quality and fresh spices that will add depth and complexity to the dish.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessMake sure to choose fresh and high-quality chicken breasts that have no added preservatives. You can also use chicken tenders if you prefer.
6 slices of thick-cut baconChoose a smoked and thick-cut variety of bacon that's high in fat, as it will render and crisp up nicely in the oven.
2 tablespoons brown sugarUse high-quality and fresh brown sugar that will add a depth of flavor to the dish. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a substitute.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish that complements the bacon perfectly. Make sure to use high-quality and fresh smoked paprika for the best results.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse high-quality and fresh salt that will add a touch of flavor to the dish. You can also use kosher salt or sea salt as a substitute.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse high-quality and fresh black pepper that will add a touch of flavor to the dish. You can also use white pepper or cayenne pepper as a substitute.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse high-quality and fresh olive oil that will add a touch of flavor to the dish. You can also use avocado oil or coconut oil as a substitute.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse high-quality and fresh garlic that will add a depth of flavor to the dish. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute.
1/4 cup chicken brothUse high-quality and fresh chicken broth that will add a touch of moisture to the dish. You can also use beef broth or vegetable broth as a substitute.
1 tablespoon honeyUse high-quality and fresh honey that will add a touch of sweetness to the dish. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.

Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheetWire rackOven thermometerInstant-read thermometerSharp knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3
Cut the chicken breasts into tenders and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
4
Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each chicken tender with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
5
Place the bacon wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
6
While the chicken is baking, mix the chicken broth and honey in a small bowl. After 20 minutes of baking, brush the chicken tenders with the chicken broth mixture.
7
Continue baking the chicken tenders for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
8
Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9
Serve the bacon wrapped chicken tenders hot and enjoy! You can serve them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
10
To add some extra flavor to the dish, you can sprinkle some minced garlic on top of the chicken tenders before baking.
11
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve the chicken tenders with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.
12
To make the dish more festive, you can serve the chicken tenders with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
13
To add some extra crunch to the dish, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds on top of the chicken tenders before baking.

Expert Tips

Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final result.
Don't overcook the chicken tenders, as they can become dry and tough.
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, as it's the most accurate way to ensure food safety.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as the chicken tenders need some space to cook evenly.
You can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, you can sprinkle some dried herbs or spices on top of the chicken tenders before baking.
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve the chicken tenders with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
To make the dish more festive, you can serve the chicken tenders with a side of steamed vegetables or a fruit salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken tenders, which can make them dry and tough.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which can lead to food safety issues.
Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can prevent the chicken tenders from cooking evenly.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the final result.
Not letting the chicken tenders rest before serving, which can make them less juicy and tender.
Not sprinkling some extra flavor on top of the chicken tenders before baking, which can make the dish less flavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

You can use different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or maple-glazed, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
You can add some dried herbs or spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to the brown sugar mixture for extra flavor.
You can use different types of chicken, such as chicken thighs or chicken wings, to change the texture and flavor of the dish.
You can add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, on top of the chicken tenders before baking for extra crunch.
You can serve the chicken tenders with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, for a healthier option.
You can use a different type of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
You can add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, on top of the chicken tenders before baking for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

The bacon wrapped chicken tenders are perfect for serving as an appetizer, main course, or snack. You can serve them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. They're also a great option for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Some other serving ideas include serving the chicken tenders with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans, or with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or carrots. You can also serve them with a side of fruit or a green salad for a healthier option.

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesSteamed broccoliGreen saladFruit saladRoasted sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The bacon wrapped chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store them in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below. To freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

To reheat the chicken tenders, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.

It's also important to note that the chicken tenders can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. This makes them a great option for meal prep or for serving at a party or gathering.

In addition to storing the chicken tenders, you can also store the brown sugar mixture and the chicken broth mixture in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This makes it easy to make the dish again in the future, or to use the mixtures as a seasoning for other dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bacon is best to use for this recipe?

Thick-cut and smoked bacon is best for this recipe, as it will render and crisp up nicely in the oven. You can also use applewood-smoked or maple-glazed bacon for a unique flavor.

Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of chicken, such as chicken thighs or chicken wings, to change the texture and flavor of the dish.

How do I know if the chicken tenders are cooked through?

You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Can I make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. The chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

What are some variations I can make to the recipe?

You can add some dried herbs or spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to the brown sugar mixture for extra flavor. You can also use different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or maple-glazed, to add a unique flavor to the dish.

Can I serve the chicken tenders with a side of roasted vegetables?

Yes, the chicken tenders are perfect for serving with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots. You can also serve them with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.

How do I reheat the chicken tenders?

You can reheat the chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.

Can I make the dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the dish in a slow cooker. Simply place the chicken tenders in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until cooked through.

The Full Recipe

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