Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders (Printer-Friendly)

Tender chicken coated with spices and wrapped in crispy smoky bacon for a savory main dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Seasoning Blend

01 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
02 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Main Ingredients

07 - 12 chicken tenders (approximately 400 grams)
08 - 12 slices regular cut bacon

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with a cooling rack to allow air circulation and ensure crisp bacon.
02 - In a large bowl, thoroughly stir together brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly blended without lumps.
03 - Add chicken tenders to the seasoning mixture and toss until all pieces are evenly coated on all sides.
04 - Wrap each seasoned chicken tender snugly with one slice of bacon, slightly overlapping to ensure the chicken is fully covered.
05 - Place the bacon-wrapped tenders seam side down on the prepared rack, spacing them evenly without touching to promote even cooking.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the bacon begins to brown.
07 - Switch the oven to broil, move the pan closer to the upper heating element, and broil the tenders for 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching carefully to achieve a crisp, caramelized bacon exterior.
08 - Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for several minutes to retain their juices before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - For enhanced flavor, allow the seasoning to sit on the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes before wrapping in bacon.
02 - If bacon is excessively fatty, carefully drain excess drippings halfway through baking to encourage crispness.
03 - Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness.
04 - To reheat, use an oven to preserve bacon crispness instead of a microwave.