Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are the ultimate appetizer or party snack, offering a tantalizing blend of crispy bacon and juicy chicken. This recipe elevates the classic chicken tender to new heights, promising a flavor explosion that will impress even the most discerning palate. Get ready to experience the perfect harmony of salty, smoky bacon and tender, flavorful chicken.
What You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
For the Bacon:
- 6-8 slices bacon, cut in half
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowls for flour mixture, egg, and panko
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, place the panko bread crumbs.
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Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat each tender thoroughly in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each breaded chicken tender with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
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Bake to Perfection: Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the toothpicks (if used) and serve your delicious bacon-wrapped chicken tenders immediately. They're fantastic on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
While using pre-cooked bacon might seem convenient, it won't achieve the same level of crispy texture. For optimal results, always use raw bacon.
How do I prevent the bacon from burning?
To prevent the bacon from burning, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and monitor them closely during the last few minutes of baking. If the bacon starts browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with foil.
Can I air fry bacon-wrapped chicken tenders?
Yes! Air frying is a great alternative. Follow the breading steps as above, wrap with bacon, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy. Remember to check frequently and adjust cooking time as needed depending on your air fryer.
What other seasonings can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings! Consider adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, Italian seasoning for a more savory flavor, or even some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken tenders and bread them ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. However, it's best to wrap them with bacon and bake them just before serving for optimal crispiness.
This recipe is a surefire winner, guaranteed to satisfy any craving for crispy, savory goodness. Enjoy!
