Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: A Delicious Twist on Classic Flavors

When it comes to easy and delicious recipes, few dishes satisfy quite like bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. This simple yet flavorful dish combines the tender juiciness of chicken tenders with the irresistible smokiness and crunch of crispy bacon, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, grilling up some treats on your Traeger grill, or craving a savory snack, this Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders recipe will surely impress your taste buds.

But what exactly makes this recipe so special? The secret lies in the combination of ingredients and cooking method. In this article, we will explore how to make bacon-wrapped chicken tenders, how it compares to other popular grilled chicken dishes like Inihaw na Manok et Ayam Bakar, and provide some additional recipe ideas to help you get creative with your chicken tenderloin.

What Are Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders?

Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are exactly what they sound like: tender pieces of chicken, typically chicken tenderloins, wrapped in strips of bacon and then cooked until the bacon crisps up and the chicken remains juicy. The result is a mouthwatering combination of textures—crispy, savory bacon on the outside, and tender, moist chicken on the inside.

Bacon is a versatile ingredient that complements many meats, but it is particularly well-suited to chicken due to its smoky flavor and fat content. When wrapped around chicken tenders, bacon helps to lock in moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out while also adding flavor with each crispy bite.

A Simple Yet Flavorful Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple and easy chicken recipe, this bacon-wrapped chicken tenders recipe is perfect for you. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, even for those who aren’t experienced cooks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish:

Ingrédients:

1 lb chicken tenders (about 6-8 pieces)
8 strips of bacon (you may need more depending on the size of your tenders)
2 c. à soupe d'huile d'olive
1 c. à thé de poudre d'ail
1 c. à thé de poudre d'oignon
1/2 c. à thé de paprika fumé
Sel et poivre, au goût
Toothpicks (for securing the bacon, if necessary)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven or Grill: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your Traeger Grill for cooking at a medium-high heat (around 375°F). If using a Traeger grill, be sure to use wood pellets that complement the smoky flavor of the bacon, such as applewood or hickory.
Season the Chicken Tenders: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are well-coated.
Wrap with Bacon: Take each piece of chicken and wrap it with a strip of bacon. You can use regular bacon or thick-cut bacon for extra flavor. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed to keep it in place while cooking.
Cook the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders:
- In the Oven: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy.
- On the Traeger Grill: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the grill grates and close the lid. Grill for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Servir et Déguster: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite side dishes or dipping sauces, and enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders.

Why This Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenderloin Recipe is a Must-Try

There are several reasons why this recipe for bacon-wrapped chicken tenders is so popular. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy chicken recipe will become a go-to meal. Let’s break down why it’s worth trying:

Quick and Simple: With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. It can also be prepped in advance and cooked when ready, making it great for meal planning.
Polyvalent: This dish works well as a main course, an appetizer, or a snack. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, or enjoy it with a dipping sauce like ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard.
Flavorful: The smoky bacon and tender chicken come together in perfect harmony, creating a savory, satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
Grilling-Friendly: Whether you’re using a traditional grill or a Traeger grill, this recipe is ideal for outdoor cooking. The bacon crisps up beautifully on the grill, adding an extra layer of smoky flavor that’s hard to beat.

How Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders Compare to Other Grilled Chicken Recipes

Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders offer a unique flavor profile compared to other grilled chicken recipes. For example, Inihaw na Manok, a traditional Filipino grilled chicken dish, is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other spices, then grilled until the skin is crispy and charred. This method creates a tangy, savory flavor with a bit of smokiness, but it doesn’t have the crispy bacon layer that adds richness to the chicken.

Similarly, Ayam Bakar, a popular Indonesian grilled chicken dish, is made by marinating chicken in a blend of coconut milk, spices, and herbs before grilling. This results in a more aromatic and slightly sweet flavor, which differs from the savory richness of bacon-wrapped chicken tenders.

Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders stand out because they take the best elements from both grilling and bacon-wrapped recipes. The result is a crispy, smoky exterior with juicy chicken tenderloin inside—a combination that’s hard to beat.

Creative Variations on Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

While the classic bacon-wrapped chicken tenders recipe is already delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this dish. Here are a few ideas for customizing your wrapped chicken recipe:

Cheese-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: For an extra indulgent treat, stuff your chicken tenders with cheese before wrapping them in bacon. Cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese are all excellent options. The cheese will melt inside the chicken, adding a gooey, flavorful surprise with every bite.
Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: If you enjoy a little heat, add some spice to your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. Sprinkle your chicken with chili powder or cayenne pepper before wrapping it with bacon, or brush the tenders with a spicy barbecue sauce before grilling.
Herb-Infused Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: For a fresh, aromatic twist, add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to your chicken before wrapping it in bacon. These herbs will infuse the chicken with a fragrant, earthy flavor as it cooks.
Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: For a sweet and savory combination, drizzle some maple syrup over your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders before baking or grilling. The syrup will caramelize on the bacon, creating a crispy, sweet glaze that perfectly complements the salty bacon and tender chicken.

Serving Ideas for Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Once your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are ready, it’s time to serve them. Here are a few ideas for pairing these delicious tenders with side dishes and sauces:

Salade: A fresh, green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with bacon-wrapped chicken tenders.
Légumes: Serve your chicken tenders with roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
Dipping Sauces: Try serving your bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or barbecue sauce. For a fun twist, you can also make a sweet and spicy dipping sauce using honey and sriracha.
Rice: Serve with a side of jasmine rice, or try coconut rice for a tropical flair.

Conclusion

Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re grilling them on your Traeger grill or baking them in the oven, this chicken tenders recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Its combination of juicy chicken tenderloin, crispy bacon, and savory seasonings makes it a winner for any meal.

Try this recipe today and explore the endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic version or want to experiment with different flavors, wrapped chicken will never disappoint.