Best Baked Chicken Tenders Wrapped in Bacon

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders about 16 tenders

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp thyme

16 slices no sugar bacon

2 tsp kosher salt

2 tsp ground cayenne pepper reduce for less spice

Instructions

Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 425 degrees F. Using aluminum foil, line two rimmed baking pans and place a metal rack on top.

Place the herbs and spices in a large plastic zipper bag. Seal the bag and shake.

In the zipper bag, add the chicken tenders. Shake well to coat the chicken completely in the spice blend.

Wrap each chicken tender in bacon, tucking the ends. On the rack in the prepared pan, lay the chicken tenders that are wrapped in bacon.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. If needed, place the pan under the broiler for about 1 to 2 minutes until the bacon is crispy.

Notes

For each serving, there are about 2 tenders

If using an air fryer, the cooking time is about 25 to 30 minutes at 400 degrees F.

How To Make it Gluten free

Look for bacon that is gluten-free. Always check the ingredients and label before buying, especially if you are super sensitive to gluten.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts for this recipe.

Simply cut the chicken breasts into smaller strips or chunks to approximate the size of chicken tenders, and then proceed with the recipe as directed.

Is it necessary to use a metal rack when baking these chicken tenders?

While using a metal rack helps the bacon cook evenly and allows excess grease to drip away, it’s not absolutely necessary.

You can place the chicken tenders directly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and flip the tenders to ensure even cooking.

Can I adjust the spice level of these chicken tenders?

Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by reducing or omitting the ground cayenne pepper in the spice blend.

This way, you can customize the dish to your preferred level of heat.

What can I serve as dipping sauces for these chicken tenders?

These chicken tenders are delicious with various dipping sauces.

Common options include ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a homemade aioli.

Feel free to choose your favorite sauce to complement the flavors.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

The chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Additionally, the bacon should be crispy when the chicken tenders are done.