Introduction
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are a crowd-pleasing combination of smoky, savory, and juicy flavors, perfect for any occasion. These tender chicken strips are wrapped in crispy bacon and grilled to perfection, delivering a delightful balance of textures and tastes in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, looking for a quick dinner idea, or preparing appetizers for a party, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that feels gourmet. The rich aroma of bacon grilling combined with the savory essence of seasoned chicken creates an irresistible scent that draws everyone to the table.
I remember the first time making these during a backyard cookout—it was an instant success. Guests raved about how juicy the chicken was, complemented perfectly by the crispy bacon exterior. These tenders are versatile, pairing wonderfully with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch, and can even be customized with your favorite seasoning blends or marinades.
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers big on flavor while being straightforward to prepare, Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are a must-try. They’re guaranteed to become a favorite that you’ll return to for every grilling season—or even beyond!
Perfect For
Perfect for cookouts, appetizers, or game-day snacks, these tenders are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. They work equally well as a main course when paired with fresh sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky and Juicy: Grilling enhances the smoky flavor, while the chicken stays tender and juicy.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and pair it with your favorite dips for variety.
- Pork-Free: Made with turkey or beef bacon, it’s great for those avoiding pork.
- Quick to Prepare: Minimal prep and grill time ensure an easy cooking experience.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 250 calories
- Key Nutrients Per Serving:
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8-10 slices turkey or beef bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for garnish
Dipping Sauce Options:
- Ranch dressing
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
Ingredient Highlights
- Turkey or Beef Bacon: Provides a smoky, crispy outer layer while being pork-free.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and a hint of spice to the flavor.
- Chicken Tenders: A lean protein that grills quickly and stays juicy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil. Season evenly with the spice mix.
Wrapping the Chicken
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of turkey or beef bacon, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
Grilling
- Place the wrapped tenders on the grill, seam side down, to secure the bacon.
- Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crisp.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve the tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces and garnish with freshly chopped herbs for added flavor. They pair well with sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Additional Tips
- Even Cooking: Ensure the tenders are of uniform size for even grilling.
- Bacon Crispiness: If the bacon doesn’t crisp up as desired, place the tenders under a broiler for a couple of minutes.
- Toothpick Reminder: If using toothpicks, remember to remove them before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick:
- Elevate the flavor profile by adding cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. If you prefer more heat, you could also stir in some hot sauce into the filling or glaze for a fiery twist. A pinch of smoked paprika can also enhance the spicy flavor with a slight smokiness.
- Herb-Infused:
- Infuse your bacon with fresh herbs by adding a few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or sage under or inside the bacon wrap before cooking. These herbs will release their essential oils, adding a fragrant, savory depth to the bacon’s smoky flavor. You could also finely chop fresh herbs and sprinkle them on the meat before wrapping to maximize their impact.
- Oven-Baked Version:
- For a crispy, hands-off alternative, bake these bacon-wrapped bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Ensure you flip the bites halfway through to achieve even crispness on all sides. This method helps render the bacon fully, allowing it to become wonderfully crispy while maintaining the tenderness of the meat inside. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier.
Freezing and Storage
- Make-Ahead:
- For ease of preparation, wrap the chicken in bacon up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. This method saves time on busy days or when preparing for a gathering, allowing you to prep the chicken and let it marinate in the bacon fat and seasonings for extra flavor. Storing the bacon-wrapped chicken in the fridge lets the flavors meld, making each bite even tastier once cooked. If you plan to prep in advance, ensure that the chicken is well-covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to avoid it drying out.
- Freezing (For Long-Term Storage):
- If you have extra chicken tenders or wish to keep some on hand for future meals, freezing the unbaked bacon-wrapped chicken tenders is a great option. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 2-3 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw — simply grill or bake them as usual. Just keep in mind that you may need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes, depending on your cooking method.
- Leftovers:
- If you have leftovers from your meal, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken remains tender, and the bacon maintains much of its crispiness, though it may lose some texture after storage. For the best results when reheating, return the leftovers to a skillet over medium heat, occasionally flipping the chicken to re-crisp the bacon. Another great reheating option is the oven: preheat to 350°F (175°C), then bake the chicken for around 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This ensures that the bacon gets nice and crispy once again. For even quicker reheating, you can use an air fryer, which restores the crispy texture in a shorter time and doesn’t compromise the taste.
Special Equipment
- Grill:
- A grill is essential for achieving that delicious smoky flavor and crispy bacon on the chicken tenders. Whether using a charcoal grill for added depth or a gas grill for more consistent heat, the grill provides the perfect cooking environment for bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, an indoor grill pan can also be used to replicate the same effect.
- Meat Thermometer:
- A meat thermometer is crucial to ensuring the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature (165°F or 74°C). This helps guarantee that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, while also avoiding overcooking, which could make the chicken dry. Using a meat thermometer allows you to get perfectly tender, juicy chicken every time.
- Toothpicks:
- Toothpicks are needed to secure the bacon around the chicken tenders, keeping the bacon in place during the cooking process. These are especially useful if you have wrapped the chicken tightly in bacon to ensure the wraps don’t unravel during grilling or baking. Make sure to remove the toothpicks before serving! You can use wooden or metal toothpicks, depending on your preference.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of tenders?
A: Yes, but adjust the cooking time as thighs may take longer to grill.
Q: How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping?
A: Use toothpicks to secure the ends of the bacon. Placing the seam side down on the grill also helps.
Q: Can these be cooked in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and satisfying dish that perfectly combines the smoky taste of grilled bacon with tender, juicy chicken. Simple yet indulgent, they make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or main course that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The crispy, caramelized bacon wrapping enhances the succulent chicken, delivering a savory bite in every piece. Serve these tenders with your favorite dipping sauces—such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ—for an added burst of flavor that complements their smoky and rich profile.
This recipe is quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues. Snap a picture of your grilled perfection, and share it on Instagram—don’t forget to tag me so I can cheer on your culinary skills! Happy grilling!