These Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food. Juicy chicken is coated in smoky spices, wrapped in savory bacon, and baked until perfectly crispy. Whether you’re serving them as a family dinner, game-day snack, or party appetizer, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Busy home cooks who want a quick, flavorful meal with minimal prep.
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Bacon lovers who can’t resist crispy, smoky strips wrapped around tender chicken.
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Party hosts looking for crowd-pleasing appetizers.
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Families who enjoy hearty, protein-packed meals.
Why it’s Great
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Easy to make: Only a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps.
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Versatile: Works as a main dish, appetizer, or snack.
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Crowd favorite: Bacon + chicken = instant hit at gatherings.
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Baked, not fried: A healthier way to enjoy crispy bacon-wrapped goodness.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper (or foil)
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Small mixing bowl
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Tongs or spatula
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Toothpicks (optional, to secure bacon)
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken tenders
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8 bacon slices
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
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Season chicken: Drizzle chicken tenders with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice mixture.
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Wrap with bacon: Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Secure ends with toothpicks if needed.
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Bake: Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
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Rest & serve: Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve hot.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
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Reheating: Best reheated in the oven or air fryer to keep bacon crispy.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
A: Yes! Just slice chicken breast into strips and follow the same recipe.
Q: Can I make these in the air fryer?
A: Absolutely—air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes until crispy.
Q: What dips go best with this recipe?
A: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo pair perfectly.
Q: Can I prep them ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the bacon-wrapped tenders, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
These Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are a simple yet irresistible recipe that delivers smoky, savory flavor in every bite. With minimal prep and ingredients, they’re perfect for family dinners, parties, or anytime you crave something hearty and delicious. Try them once, and they’ll become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
