Barbeque Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders (Sticky, Crispy, Juicy)
Juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to perfection. This easy recipe is packed with flavor, made with simple ingredients, and perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 347kcal
Ingredients
- 1½ lb chicken tenders
- 10-12 slices bacon thin-cut
- ½ cup barbecue sauce sugar-free or low sugar works best
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and place seam-side down on the tray or rack.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until the bacon starts to render and the chicken is partially cooked.
- Remove from the oven and brush generously with barbecue sauce.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the sauce is bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 1 to 2 minutes for extra caramelized edges. Watch closely.
Video
Notes
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 6 to 8 minutes. Let rest briefly before serving.
- Grill: Grill over medium heat for 10 to 14 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes and cook until caramelized. If the bacon browns too quickly, move to indirect heat briefly, then finish over direct heat. Let rest before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 717mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 266IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg | Net Carbs: 6g