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Take your dinner to the next level with these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders—a simple yet elegant dish guaranteed to impress.

The rich smokiness of crispy bacon pairs perfectly with juicy, tender chicken, while a blend of spices and a hint of optional sweetness enhance every bite.

Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful family dinner, these tenders deliver the perfect balance of taste and texture, making them irresistibly delicious.

What sets this dish apart is its effortless ability to deliver deep, satisfying flavors. The bacon infuses the chicken with a rich smokiness while keeping it exceptionally tender.

For those who love a balance of heat and sweetness, a sprinkle of brown sugar and chili powder forms a beautifully caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible. Let’s get started on mastering this delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken tenders
12 strips of bacon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup maple syrup or honey (for a subtle sweetness)
2 tablespoons chili powder (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top for even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken tenders.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon: Tightly wrap each chicken tender with a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.

Step 4: Glaze for Sweetness: Lightly brush each bacon-wrapped tender with maple syrup or honey to enhance the caramelized effect while baking. If you like a spicy-sweet contrast, mix chili powder into the syrup before brushing.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection: Arrange the chicken tenders on the wire rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Let the tenders rest for a few minutes, then remove toothpicks and serve warm.

Pro Tips:

Season Well: Coat each chicken tender thoroughly with the spice blend to maximize flavor.
Wrap Securely: Use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place, preventing it from unraveling while cooking.
Ensure Even Crisping: Place the tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation, keeping the bacon crispy on all sides.
Add a Sweet & Spicy Kick: If making the sweet-heat version, evenly coat the bacon-wrapped tenders with the brown sugar and chili mixture for a caramelized glaze.
Broil with Care: Keep a close watch during the broiling stage to prevent the bacon from burning.

Sweet Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

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These bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are more than just food—they’re a treat for the senses. Perfect for a family dinner or a flavorful snack on game night, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the irresistible pairing of tender, juicy chicken and crispy, smoky bacon in every bite!

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 serving 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs chicken tenders
12 strips of bacon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup maple syrup or honey (for a subtle sweetness)
2 tablespoons chili powder (optional, for heat)

Equipment: Baking sheet, wire rack

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top for even cooking.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken tenders.
Wrap with Bacon: Tightly wrap each chicken tender with a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
Glaze for Sweetness: Lightly brush each bacon-wrapped tender with maple syrup or honey to enhance the caramelized effect while baking. If you like a spicy-sweet contrast, mix chili powder into the syrup before brushing.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the chicken tenders on the wire rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the tenders rest for a few minutes, then remove toothpicks and serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

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