Delight Your Taste Buds with Bacon-Enveloped Chicken Tenders

Are you craving a deliciously crispy and savory dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters? Look no further than our mouthwatering Bacon-Enveloped Chicken Tenders recipe! These tender chicken tenders are lovingly wrapped in crispy bacon and seasoned to perfection, creating a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are guaranteed to be a hit. So fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!

Ingredients:

• 10 bacon strips
• 1 pound chicken tenders (approximately 10 tenders)
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Season the Chicken:
   • Season each chicken tender generously with the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
4. Wrap with Bacon:
   • Wrap each seasoned chicken tender with a strip of bacon, securing it in place with a toothpick if necessary. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Coat with Brown Sugar:
   • Sprinkle the packed light brown sugar evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, pressing it gently to adhere.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the bacon-enveloped chicken tenders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot as a delicious appetizer or main dish.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Sweet and Spicy Twist: For a sweet and spicy flavor profile, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or grated Parmesan cheese over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy finish.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve the bacon-enveloped chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders? A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: While these bacon-enveloped chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.

Q: Are these chicken tenders keto-friendly? A: Unfortunately, these bacon-enveloped chicken tenders are not suitable for a keto diet due to the brown sugar coating. However, you can make a keto-friendly version by omitting the brown sugar or using a keto-friendly sweetener alternative.

Q: Can I grill these chicken tenders instead of baking them? A: Yes, you can grill the bacon-enveloped chicken tenders on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan. Just be sure to cook them over medium heat until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Omit the brown sugar or use a keto-friendly sweetener alternative such as erythritol or stevia.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences and use low-carb spices and herbs.

Low-Carb Version:

• Follow the keto version instructions, adjusting ingredients to fit your specific low-carb dietary needs.
• Serve the bacon-enveloped chicken tenders with a side of low-carb vegetables or a refreshing salad.

In conclusion, Bacon-Enveloped Chicken Tenders are a delectable combination of crispy bacon and tender chicken, seasoned to perfection for a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a tasty treat, these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a must-try recipe. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this irresistible dish!