These bacon wrapped chicken tenders are one of my go-to weeknight dinners when I need something easy, quick, and totally family-approved. Just juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a hint of sweet spice, nothing fancy, but so satisfying.

You can toss them in the air fryer or bake them in the oven, and they’re perfect as dinner, a game day snack, or even party bites on skewers.

🛒 Ingredients

Chicken breasts – I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into tenders. You can swap in chicken tenderloins too if that’s what you have.
Bacon – Thin-cut bacon works best here. It crisps up beautifully and wraps tightly without overpowering the chicken.
Smoked paprika – Adds a nice warmth and smoky depth. Regular paprika works in a pinch, but the smoked kind really amps up the flavor.
Maple syrup or brown sugar – A little sweetness makes these pop! Maple syrup gives a glossy finish, but brown sugar will give more glazed texture on top and sweet caramel flavor.
Garlic powder and black pepper – Just enough to season everything without overwhelming the smoky-sweet combo.
If you love protein-packed dishes like this, check out my chicken tenders in air fryer, and bang bang chicken skewers. Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights

👩‍🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.

🥘 How To Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Trim the chicken: Slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they’re about 4–5 ounces each. Pat dry and trim off any extra fat.
Season the chicken: Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub half of the spice blend over the chicken pieces.
Wrap with bacon: Take two strips of bacon per piece and wrap them around each chicken tender, overlapping slightly. Tuck the ends underneath or secure with toothpicks if needed.

Glaze it: Mix the maple syrup (or brown sugar) with the rest of the spice mix. Brush it over the bacon-wrapped chicken.
Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken in the basket and cook for 15–18 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the chicken hits 165°F.

Oven method: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top. Set the bacon-wrapped chicken on the rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until cooked through and golden.
Grill method: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill tenders for about 6–8 minutes per side or until bacon is crispy and chicken is fully cooked.

Rita's Tip

Use thin-cut bacon and wrap tightly so it crisps up perfectly and stays put during cooking.

📋 Tips

Don’t skip the toothpicks if your bacon keeps sliding.
Brush on the glaze after wrapping to keep things tidy.
For extra smoky flavor, try adding a bit of chipotle powder.
Chicken tenderloins work great as a shortcut (no slicing needed).
If using thick bacon, you’ll need to bake or air fry a little longer.
To make it spicy, just add a bit of cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
Don’t crowd the air fryer basket, give those tenders room.
Let them rest for a couple minutes after cooking so the juices stay in.

🍱 Storage Instructions

🍱To Store. Let the chicken cool fully and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🥶Freezing. Wrap each piece in foil or plastic, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
🔥To Reheat. Air fry at 375°F for about 5 minutes, or bake in a 350°F oven until heated through.

What To Serve With Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Mashed potatoes
Mac and cheese
Roasted broccoli
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Cabbage And Sausage Skillet
Cornbread or biscuits

More Easy Dinner Recipes You'll Like

Did You Try This Recipe?

Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest!

📖Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Easy and juicy bacon wrapped chicken tenders made in the air fryer or oven. A quick dinner or party snack with just a few simple ingredients!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 18

Total Time 28

Course Main Course

Servings

Calories 108 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 pound, each cut in half lengthwise
▢ 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
▢ 4-5 ounce slices of thin cut bacon
▢ 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, or brown sugar

Instructions

Trim and prep the chicken: Cut off any extra fat from the chicken breasts and slice each one in half lengthwise so you have 6 even pieces.
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Season the chicken: Sprinkle half of the spice mix over the chicken pieces and rub it in evenly.
Wrap with bacon: Take 2 strips of bacon per piece and wrap tightly around each chicken tender. Overlap the ends underneath to help hold the bacon in place. You can also secure it with toothpicks if needed.
4-5 ounce slices of thin cut bacon
Make the glaze: Mix the maple syrup (or brown sugar) with the remaining spice mix in a small bowl.
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Brush the glaze: Use a brush or spoon to coat the bacon-wrapped chicken with the sweet and smoky glaze.
Cook in air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer and air fry for 15–18 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 165°F.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 16gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 832mgPotassium: 243mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 264IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.4mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!