Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders: A Symphony of Flavor
Calling all bacon and chicken lovers! This recipe takes your favorite protein duo to a whole new level. Imagine tender, juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon, then coated in a glorious blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. It's a triple threat of taste that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: This recipe goes beyond the ordinary. It combines the classic combination of bacon and chicken with a delightful mix of sweet brown sugar, smoky paprika, and a touch of fiery chili powder.
- Easy and Quick: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving a delicious meal without the hassle. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under an hour.
- Perfect for All Occasions: This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as a satisfying lunch, a delightful weeknight dinner, or even a fun appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- For the Savory Spice Rub:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ to 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your preference)
- For the Bacon-Wrapped Magic:
- 10 strips bacon
- 1 pound chicken tenders (approximately 10 tenders)
- For the Sweet and Smoky Glaze:
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Instructions:
- Preheat for Perfection: Get your oven or grill ready by preheating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Spice Up Your Life: In a small bowl, whisk together the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This fragrant spice rub will add depth and complexity to the chicken.
- Seasoning the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet or platter. Sprinkle the prepared spice rub generously over the chicken, ensuring each tender is well coated. Use your hands to gently rub the spices into the chicken for maximum flavor.
- The Bacon Weave: Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon by tucking the ends underneath the chicken. You can also use a toothpick to secure the bacon if desired.
- Sweet and Smoky Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and chili powder. Mix well to create a delicious glaze.
- Coating for Flavor: Sprinkle the brown sugar-chili powder mixture over the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders. Gently press the glaze mixture onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
- Baking or Grilling: Place the prepared chicken tenders on a baking sheet or grill pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken tenders over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Resting for Perfection: Once cooked through, remove the chicken tenders from the oven or grill and let them rest for a few minutes at room temperature. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
- Serve and Savor: Serve the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders warm and enjoy the explosion of flavor in every bite! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce, for an extra touch of deliciousness.
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