Bacon + Chicken. This sounds like a win already, but add on lots of savory spices and a chili powder- brown sugar mixture and my friends let me tell ya, you have a triple threat. The perfect blend of sweet-smokey-spicy.

I made this for lunch and we loved it. Even Isaac liked it which was surprising because they have a little spicy kick to them and that boy does not like spiciness.

Ingredients

1 lbs. chicken tenders, about 10 chicken tenders
10 strips bacon, sliced in half length-wise (I used turkey bacon)
1/2 -1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons chili powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 F.

Step 2: Mix together salt, paprika, black pepper, onion powder,italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Sprinkle mixture evenly over chicken tenders, (top and bottom) completely coating them generously in the spices.

Step 4: Wrap two sliced bacon strips around the chicken tender. Tuck in and loose ends.

Step 5: Mix together brown sugar and chili powder.

Step 6: Sprinkle this mixture generously over bacon wrapped chicken, top and bottom. Press the sugar mixture into the chicken to pack it on.

Step 7: Place the chicken on a greased grill pan.

Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is done and bacon is crisp. You can broil for the last few minutes if desired to crisp up the bacon more.

Step 9: Serve piping hot! Garnish with parsley if desired.

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for tenders. Just cut the breasts into strips that are about the same size as chicken tenders to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that thicker pieces may take slightly longer to cook.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This can save time on a busy day, but make sure to let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.

3. How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon or reduced-fat bacon instead of regular bacon. Also, opt for skinless, boneless chicken tenders to reduce fat content while still keeping the recipe delicious.

4. What’s the best way to ensure the bacon gets crispy?

To get crispy bacon, make sure the chicken tenders are spaced evenly on the baking sheet so air can circulate. You can also broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to help crisp up the bacon even more. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

5. Can I use a different seasoning or marinade?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or marinades to customize the flavor. Popular choices include garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or a simple honey mustard marinade. Just make sure to pat the chicken dry before wrapping in bacon so the bacon sticks better.