These Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy, smoky bacon wrapped around juicy chicken tenders, brushed with a sticky sweet-and-spicy glaze. Perfect for game day snacks, appetizers, or even a main dish, this recipe combines bold flavors and irresistible textures that will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s get wrapping and cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 8–10 slices of thin-cut bacon , halved crosswise
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For the Sweet & Spicy Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro , chopped
- Toothpicks , for securing the bacon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top for even cooking and crispiness.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Wrap the Chicken in Bacon
- Wrap each chicken tender with a halved slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed. Place the wrapped tenders on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.
Step 3: Make the Sweet & Spicy Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your preference.
