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Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

A quick and comforting meal featuring tender chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and slathered with barbecue sauce, perfect for family dinners or festive occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders naturally lean and quick-cooking
  • 10 slices bacon regular or turkey bacon; use thick-cut for extra crisp
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce choose your favorite smoky or sweet variety
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil helps the bacon crisp and adds gloss
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika deepens barbecue flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder for savory depth
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • toothpicks optional for securing the bacon
  • chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Season the chicken tenders with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices in.
  3. Cut bacon slices in half (or thirds for thinner bacon) and wrap each tender snugly.
  4. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
  5. Brush the tops generously with barbecue sauce.
Cooking
  1. Bake for 12 minutes, then baste with more sauce and turn the tenders.
  2. Bake another 8–12 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  3. For extra crispness, place under a broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch closely.
  4. Let rest for 3–5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For variations: mix honey into the barbecue sauce for sweetness, or cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for appetizers.