Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders: A Weeknight Winner

As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders recipe has become a staple in our house, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory, and it's surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You start with simple ingredients – boneless, skinless chicken breasts (which I always buy pre-cut into tenders to save time), crispy bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce. I usually opt for a low-sugar barbecue sauce to keep things a little healthier, but feel free to use your favorite brand. The subtle addition of brown sugar and chili powder adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. The bacon, of course, adds that irresistible salty crunch that everyone loves.

The preparation is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Wrapping the chicken tenders in bacon is a fun task that even the kids can help with (under supervision, of course!). Then, it's a simple matter of brushing them with barbecue sauce, sprinkling on the brown sugar and chili powder mixture, and popping them in the oven. The baking process is followed by a quick broil to crisp up the bacon, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken tenders with a deliciously caramelized exterior.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili powder. You can also experiment with different types of barbecue sauce, from sweet and smoky to spicy and tangy. I've even been known to add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless! Serve these delightful tenders with your favorite sides. We often enjoy them with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or even some creamy mashed potatoes.

Beyond the weeknight convenience, this recipe is also great for entertaining. It's a crowd-pleaser that’s always a hit at parties and gatherings. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it appealing to a wide range of palates. Plus, the individual portions make it easy to serve and manage. The prep and cook time is relatively short, leaving you ample time to focus on other aspects of hosting.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how satisfying it is. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and flavorful barbecue sauce is truly irresistible. It's the kind of meal that leaves you feeling content and satisfied without being overly heavy or rich. This is a meal that I can comfortably enjoy without feeling guilty, and it is a perfect balance for someone focused on healthy eating and wellness.

So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love, give this Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders recipe a try. You won't be disappointed. It's a recipe that's become a cherished part of our family's culinary repertoire, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours, too. It's the perfect example of how even the simplest ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

I encourage you to experiment with the recipe. Try different types of bacon, perhaps some peppered bacon for a spicier kick. Or, use a different type of chicken – perhaps chicken thighs for a richer flavor. No matter how you choose to make it, I’m confident you’ll love this recipe as much as we do. It’s a true testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity in the kitchen.

Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. That’s the beauty of cooking – the ability to personalize recipes and create something truly unique. And this recipe is a great starting point for that culinary adventure.

So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious meal your family will rave about. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and top with a cooking rack.
• Wrap each chicken tender in a piece of bacon.
• Use a pastry brush to brush all sides of each wrapped tender with barbecue sauce and place them on the rack on the baking sheet.
• Combine the brown sugar and chili powder in a small dish and stir until mixed.
• Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken tenders.
• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove from the oven.
• Turn on your broiler (make sure your oven rack is in the appropriate position, in my oven this is toward the top) and return the tenders to the oven.
• Broil for about 2 minutes until the bacon is crisp.