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.
For more ideas, check out our 44 Easy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinners.
- 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
FAQ
Can I make these in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, bake at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through.
How do I keep the bacon from sliding off?
Secure it with toothpicks, especially if you're baking rather than air frying, just remember to remove them before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Wrap the chicken in bacon and refrigerate up to a day ahead, then cook them fresh when you're ready to eat for the best texture.
Fun Variations to Try
- Spicy Version. Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the seasoning blend for heat.
- Brown Sugar Glaze. Brush with a brown sugar and butter glaze halfway through cooking for a stickier, sweeter finish.
- Cheese-Stuffed. Tuck a small strip of cheddar or pepper jack into the chicken before wrapping with bacon.
More Easy Dinner Recipes You'll Like
For another easy, family-friendly dinner, try my whole roast chicken guide, and if you have a sweet tooth, this lemon blueberry bread makes a great finish to the meal.
- Pan Fried Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe
- Zucchini Boats With Chicken
- Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
📖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!
Equipment
- Ziplock Bag
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
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