If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests, these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are it. Each piece of chicken is wrapped in smoky bacon, baked until juicy, and finished with a rich garlic parmesan glaze that makes them absolutely irresistible. They’re the kind of dish people smell from the kitchen and immediately ask, “What are you making?” Whether served as an entrée or a fun appetizer, these tenders never disappoint.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven.
Warm it to 350°F so it’s ready when you are.
2. Prep the chicken.
Slice the chicken breasts into long strips think classic chicken tender size.
3. Add flavor.
Rub a little oil over the strips, then season them on both sides so every bite is well-flavored.
4. Wrap with bacon.
Take one strip of bacon and wrap it tightly around each piece of chicken. The bacon helps seal in moisture as it cooks.
5. Arrange in a baking dish.
Lay the wrapped tenders in a 9×13 dish, leaving a little space between each one.
6. Saucy goodness.
Drizzle the garlic parmesan sauce all over the top so every piece gets coated.
7. Bake to perfection.
Place the dish in the oven and bake until the bacon is cooked and the chicken is tender and juicy. They’re done when the chicken reaches 165°F.
8. Serve hot.
Enjoy them fresh out of the oven while they’re at peak crispiness and flavor.
Notes & Tips
- Want crispier bacon? Pop the tenders under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on them.
- Customize the seasoning: Cajun, Italian blend, lemon pepper, anything works.
- Turkey bacon works too if you want a lighter version.
- Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce goes great with the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Make them appetizers: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and use half slices of bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! You can wrap the chicken in bacon earlier in the day, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake when ready.
2. What if I don’t have garlic parmesan wing sauce?
You can use a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan as a simple substitute.
3. How do I keep the bacon from unwrapping?
Wrapping it tightly usually works, but if needed, secure with a toothpick (just remove it before serving).
4. Can I air-fry these?
Definitely! Cook at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. What should I serve them with?
They pair perfectly with roasted veggies, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Protein: 45g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 25g
Ingredients
Instructions
Slice each chicken breast into strips resembling chicken tenders.
Drizzle olive oil over chicken strips and massage it in.
Season both sides of the chicken with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Wrap each chicken strip with a slice of bacon.
Place bacon-wrapped chicken in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Drizzle generously with garlic parmesan wing sauce, ensuring each piece is coated.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Serve immediately and enjoy!Nutrition