These bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy. The bacon seals in the moisture, while the brown sugar and chili powder coating creates a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 10 pieces)
- 10 strips of bacon
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ to 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken tenders.
- Wrap in Bacon:
- Wrap each chicken tender with one strip of bacon, folding the edges underneath to secure.
- Make the Brown Sugar Coating:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and chili powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken, gently pressing to help it stick.
- If the sugar doesn’t adhere well, lightly brush the bacon with a bit of vegetable oil.
- Bake:
- Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve:
- Let the chicken cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm as an appetizer or alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Notes:
- Seasoning Tip: For even seasoning, place the chicken tenders in a resealable bag, add the spice mix, and shake until evenly coated.
- Bacon Tip: Use thin-cut bacon for better wrapping and crispier results.
- Cooking Options: These can also be cooked in a smoker with the lid closed for 30 minutes for extra smoky flavor.
Nutrition (Per Serving, 1 Tender):
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Sugar: 5g
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