Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! These Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and irresistibly saucy - a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that takes just minutes to prepare and delivers maximum flavor in every single bite. Whether you're hosting a game day party, family dinner, or just craving something absolutely delicious, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil if using oven method.
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure crispy bacon wrap. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cut bacon slices in half crosswise, ensuring each tender can be fully wrapped.
- Wrap each chicken tender diagonally with a half slice of bacon, slightly overlapping edges to secure. Stretch bacon slightly while wrapping to ensure tight coverage.
- If grilling, place wrapped tenders on clean, lightly oiled grill grates. If using oven, place on prepared baking sheet with bacon seam-side down.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip tenders to ensure even cooking and crisp bacon.
- Brush generously with barbecue sauce during last 5-7 minutes of cooking, allowing sauce to caramelize slightly.
- Check internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Pat chicken tenders completely dry before wrapping to ensure crispy bacon and better seasoning adhesion.
- Choose thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and more even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is cooked to safe 165°F internal temperature.
- For extra caramelization, choose a thick, rich barbecue sauce.
- Let the tenders rest after cooking to keep them juicy and prevent moisture loss.
- If using an oven, consider using a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow fat to drip and promote crispier bacon.
- Don't overcrowd the grill or baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crisp edges.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
