Growing up in Nova Scotia, we treated Friday nights as sacred family time. I remember my dad coming home with a box of Tim Hortons and the smell of sizzling bacon filling our kitchen. That’s when these bacon wrapped chicken tenders became our tradition. The way the bacon crisps up around the tender chicken creates something magical that even my pickiest nephew devours without complaint. And trust me, getting that kid to eat anything beyond cereal is an achievement worth celebrating!

 

Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

• 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins (about 12 pieces) (680g)
• 12 slices regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (45g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (3g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) (0.5g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top if you have one.
2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. The sound of sizzling bacon later depends on this step – nobody wants steamed bacon!
3. Mix brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl.
4. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with about half of your spice mixture, turning to coat all sides.
5. Lay out bacon slices on a cutting board and sprinkle the remaining spice mixture evenly over them. Just look at that gorgeous reddish-brown color!
6. Wrap each tender with a slice of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling down, slightly overlapping edges. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
7. Place wrapped tenders on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Leave a little space between each for the heat to circulate around.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. For extra crispiness, broil for the final 2-3 minutes.

Pro Tips & Variations

Last winter during a blizzard, I experimented with what was in my pantry and discovered some killer variations y’all’re going to love. Boom!

Maple-Glazed Bacon Chicken

Brush tenders with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup before baking. The sweet caramelization against the salty bacon creates an irresistible combo. And for true North Shore authenticity, use Grade A Dark maple syrup from our friends across the border in Quebec.

Jalapeño-Stuffed Tenders

Before wrapping, cut a slit in each tender and stuff with thin jalapeño slices and a pinch of cream cheese. The spicy kick balanced with creamy cheese takes these to a whole new level that my hockey buddies demolished during playoffs last year.

Brown-Sugar BBQ Rub

Double the brown sugar in your spice mix and add 1 tablespoon of your favorite BBQ seasoning. The sugar caramelizes beautifully onto the bacon, creating sticky, sweet perfection that pairs perfectly with an ice-cold beer on those long weekend gatherings.

Storage & Food Safety

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. I like to use a digital thermometer to check the thickest part of the tender.

These reheat beautifully in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C), preserving that crispy bacon texture we all love to bite into. Just make sure they come back up to temperature throughout before serving.

Nutrition & Serving Ideas

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (2 tenders)
Calories	385
Protein	32g
Carbs	5g
Fat	24g
Fiber	0g

 

These bacon wrapped chicken tenders shine when paired with:

• Classic ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce
• Crisp vinegar-based coleslaw to cut through the richness
• Roasted sweet potato wedges
• Fresh green salad with light vinaigrette

 

The tangy snap of a good pickle alongside these tenders works wonders too. My neighbor brings over homemade dill pickles that I can never quite get enough of.

FAQs About Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Can I cook bacon wrapped chicken tenders in an air fryer instead of the oven?

Absolutely! Air fryers are perfect for these tenders. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size, but the results are worth it—extra crispy bacon outside and juicy chicken inside. Just be sure to check the internal temperature hits 165°F before serving.

How do I keep the bacon crispy without drying out the chicken?

The trick is in the temperature and timing. Using regular-cut bacon (not thick) helps it crisp up before the chicken dries out. Starting with room temperature chicken (let it sit out for 15 minutes) ensures even cooking. If your bacon isn’t crisping enough toward the end, switch to broil for the final 2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it!

Are these tenders keto-friendly, and what dipping sauces pair best?

With only 5g carbs per serving (mostly from the brown sugar), these are definitely keto-friendly! For truly keto versions, replace brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute. My favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces include: garlic aioli, buffalo mayo, avocado-lime dip, or simple melted butter with herbs. The tanginess cuts through the richness that bacon brings to the party.

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Home cook testing bacon hacks since 2015 and proud supplier of comfort food for every Halifax snowstorm since then.