Sweet & Smoky Chicken Strips Wrapped with Bacon: Easy Dinner Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about the sound of sizzling bacon wafting through the kitchen. It brings back memories of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air, and everyone’s favorite dish was the main event. Today, I’m excited to share one of those crowd-pleasers that never fails to deliver that warmth and joy — Chicken Strips Wrapped with Bacon. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these for every occasion!

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for any weeknight.
• Comforting homemade flavor that warms the heart.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion, from family dinners to Sunday brunch.
• Always a crowd-pleaser — watch everyone come back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Gives a savory kick!
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 10 strips bacon
• Make sure to choose thick-cut for that crispy texture!
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• Adds a delightful sweetness.
• 1 pound chicken tenders (about 10 tenders)
• Tenders are perfect for wrapping.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• A little mix of herb goodness.
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• This gives that eye-catching color and smokiness.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Just the right amount of spice lifts the flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Adds a bit of heat.
• 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
• Adjust to your preference.

How to Make It

Let’s dive into making these delicious Chicken Strips Wrapped with Bacon! First, preheat your oven or grill to a cozy 175 degrees C (350 degrees F).

1. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. You’ll love how fragrant this blend is!
2. Spice the Chicken: Grab those chicken tenders, and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over them. Gently rub it in to coat all sides — the aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and it’s simply divine.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Take one strip of bacon and wrap it snugly around each chicken tender, tucking in the ends to secure. The visual of that crispy bacon hugging the tender chicken is downright mouthwatering.
4. Sweet and Spicy Coating: In another bowl, mix the brown sugar and chili powder. Now, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped tenders, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks. You’re creating a glaze that’s smoky, sweet, and savory all at once!
5. Bake or Grill: Arrange the tenders on a baking tray or grill. Cook for about 30 minutes, or until that bacon is gloriously crispy and the chicken is fully cooked. The sizzle you’ll hear is music to your ears!
6. Rest and Serve: Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief pause makes all the difference in texture. Once plated, savor that incredible blend of flavors.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-Saving Trick: You can prepare the chicken and wrap it in bacon ahead of time, keeping it in the fridge for a few hours for even deeper flavor.
• Common Mistake Fix: Ensure that the bacon is fully wrapped and tucked in tightly; otherwise, it may unravel as it cooks.
• Creative Twist: Try adding a sprinkle of cheese right before they finish cooking for an extra layer of flavor that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe!

Serving Ideas

These Chicken Strips Wrapped with Bacon shine at any gathering! They’re perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even holiday tables. Pair them with a fresh garden salad or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Feeling fancy? Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that gourmet touch!

Storing & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To keep that crispness, reheat them in the oven at 175 C (350 F) for about 10 minutes. You’ll want that bacon nice and crispy again!
• Fun Leftover Idea: Create a delicious wrap or sandwich. Just toss the strips into a tortilla with some lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick lunch option!

Chicken Strips Wrapped with Bacon

A cozy dish featuring chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon, seasoned to perfection, ideal for family dinners and gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 10 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Strips

• 1 pound chicken tenders About 10 tenders are perfect for wrapping.
• 10 strips bacon Choose thick-cut for a crispy texture.
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar Packed for sweetness.

For the Spice Mixture

• 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds a savory kick.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic gives it an extra flavor boost.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning A mix of herbs.
• 1 teaspoon paprika For color and smokiness.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder Adds the right amount of spice.
• 1/2-1 teaspoon salt Adjust to your preference.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a bit of heat.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven or grill to 175 degrees C (350 degrees F).
2. In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
3. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, gently rubbing it in to coat all sides.
4. Wrap one strip of bacon snugly around each chicken tender, tucking in the ends to secure.

Coating and Cooking

1. In another bowl, mix the brown sugar and chili powder, then sprinkle this mixture over the bacon-wrapped tenders, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
2. Arrange the tenders on a baking tray or grill and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Allow the chicken strips to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can prepare the chicken and wrap it in bacon ahead of time and refrigerate for deeper flavor. Make sure the bacon is tightly wrapped to avoid unraveling during cooking. Adding cheese before finishing cooking can elevate the flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly special about sharing food that comes straight from the heart. Every time I make these Chicken Strips Wrapped with Bacon, I’m reminded of the joy that food brings. It’s an easy recipe that’s not only delicious but also perfect for creating warm memories around the table. So gather your loved ones and enjoy the warmth of these irresistible chicken strips. I can’t wait for you to try them and add your own personal touches to this delightful dish!

More Resources

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are more tasty ideas and trusted kitchen reads to explore:

From SmartCookRecipes.com

• Soft & Hearty Whole Wheat Bread (2 Easy Loaves) – A cozy homemade bread that makes the perfect sidekick for savory mains like bacon-wrapped chicken.
• Sweet Potato Pie Bars – Balance out your savory plate with this warm, spiced dessert that hits all the comfort notes.
• Healthy Banana Bread – Moist, Simple & Naturally Sweet – A delightful breakfast or snack to pair with your protein-packed strips.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread (Moist, Cozy & Easy) – Perfect for cozy gatherings and just sweet enough to follow a smoky-sweet main dish.
• Classic Butter Cookies – End your meal on a buttery note with these nostalgic, crowd-pleasing cookies.

Trusted Sources Around the Web

• 6 New Terms for Healthy Eating – Harvard Health – Get savvy with today’s healthy eating trends while balancing indulgent favorites like bacon.