Print

Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Print Recipe

Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders combine crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender chicken in a quick and easy recipe perfect for snacks, meals, or appetizers. Ready in under 30 minutes, this kid-friendly dish delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • Chicken tenders – fresh or thawed, approx. 1 lb (about 8–10 pieces)
  • Bacon slices – thinly sliced, 8-10 slices
  • Mozzarella or cheddar cheese – cut into thin strips or small cubes, about 4 oz
  • Garlic powder – 1 tsp
  • Paprika – 1 tsp
  • Salt – ½ tsp
  • Black pepper – ½ tsp
  • Toothpicks – enough to secure each bundle

Optional Variations

  • Cayenne pepper or hot sauce – to taste for spicy kick
  • Alternative cheeses such as pepper jack, gouda, or provolone – 4 oz
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley – small handful, chopped
  • Maple syrup or honey – 1-2 tbsp for brushing before baking (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season them evenly on all sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse delicious flavor.
  2. Add the Cheese: Cut your chosen cheese into thin strips or small cubes. Place a piece of cheese on each seasoned chicken tender, making sure to cover the surface for a gooey center.
  3. Wrap with Bacon: Carefully wrap each cheese-topped chicken tender with one slice of thin bacon. Secure the wrap with one or two toothpicks to hold everything together during cooking.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon-wrapped tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a wire rack over a baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese fully melted.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Remove the toothpicks carefully to avoid injury. Let the tenders cool for a few minutes, then serve while warm for the best gooey, crispy experience.

Notes

  • Use thin bacon slices for even cooking and perfect crispiness.
  • Don’t overstuff the tenders with cheese to prevent excessive oozing during baking.
  • Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking for a crispy bacon exterior.
  • Let the tenders rest a few minutes after baking so the cheese can settle and avoid burning your mouth.
  • Baking on a wire rack helps drip away excess bacon grease, keeping tenders crispier.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy bacon wrapped chicken tenders, bacon chicken appetizers, cheesy chicken snacks, baked bacon wrapped chicken, kid-friendly chicken recipe, quick chicken appetizers

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/cheesy-bacon-wrapped-chicken-tenders/