BACON-WRAPPED CHICKEN TENDERS

Oh yes — Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are the ultimate combo of juicy, smoky, salty, and slightly sweet! Perfect for dinner, game day, or party apps. These are super easy, super craveable, and only need a handful of ingredients. Let’s go! 🥓🍗

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🥓 Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

🍽️ Dish Type: Appetizer or Main

🍴 Servings: 4–6

🕒 Total Time: 35–40 minutes

🌟 Flavor Profile: Savory, smoky, slightly sweet

🔥 Cook Method: Oven or air fryer

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📝 Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs chicken tenders (about 10–12 pieces)
• 10–12 slices bacon (thin-cut works best)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for a sweet heat)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: BBQ sauce or honey for dipping

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🔥 Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (optional, for crispier bacon).
2. Season chicken:
   Mix brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub all over the chicken tenders.
3. Wrap in bacon:
   Wrap one slice of bacon around each chicken tender, overlapping slightly. Place seam-side down on the rack or baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

🌬️ Air Fryer Option: 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Optional glaze:
   Brush with a little BBQ sauce or honey in the last 5 mins for an extra flavor kick.

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✅ Tips:

• Toothpick trick: Secure bacon with a toothpick if it unravels.
• Thicker bacon takes longer to crisp — par-cook it a bit if needed.
• Make it spicy: Add cayenne or hot honey drizzle at the end.

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⏱️ How Long to Bake Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

• Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes
• Flip them halfway through to crisp the bacon evenly.
• Check for doneness: internal temp of the chicken should hit 165°F.

Want even crispier bacon? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.

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🧽 Do You Cover Them While Baking?

Nope — do NOT cover them.

• Leaving them uncovered allows the bacon to crisp up properly.
• You can use a wire rack on the baking sheet to let air circulate underneath (and keep bacon from sitting in grease), but it’s optional.

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🍽️ What to Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

These are super versatile — perfect with all kinds of sides:

🥔 Comfort Sides:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic roasted potatoes
• Mac & cheese
• Cornbread or biscuits

🥗 Fresh + Light:

• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Coleslaw (especially something tangy or spicy)
• Roasted or steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus

🌽 Tex-Mex or BBQ-Inspired:

• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Cheesy grits or jalapeño creamed corn

🧁 Dips & Sauces (perfect for apps!):

• Ranch, honey mustard, chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce
• Hot honey drizzle or sweet chili sauce

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