Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with these Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders! This irresistible dish combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon, the juicy tenderness of chicken, and the sweet and garlicky punch of a honey-based sauce. Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer for a party or enjoying them as a main course, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
The Irresistible Appeal of Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Bacon-wrapped dishes have long been a favorite in the culinary world, and for good reason. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon pairs beautifully with a wide variety of ingredients, enhancing their taste and adding a satisfying crunch. When it comes to chicken, the bacon wrapping not only seals in the natural juices but also adds an extra layer of texture and richness to the dish.
In this recipe, we’ve taken the classic bacon-wrapped chicken and added a delectable honey garlic twist. The sweet and savory combination is a true palate-pleaser, making these tenders a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Chicken Tenders – These lean and tender pieces of chicken are the perfect canvas for our flavor-packed wrap.
- Bacon – Crispy bacon is the star of the show, adding a salty, smoky element to balance the sweetness.
- Honey – The honey provides a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Soy Sauce – A touch of soy sauce adds depth and umami to the honey garlic sauce.
- Garlic – Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For those who love a little extra kick, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color to the final dish.
Preparing the Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these irresistible tenders:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through while the bacon achieves a satisfying crispness.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This flavorful sauce will coat the chicken tenders, infusing them with a delectable sweetness and a subtle kick of heat.
Wrap the Chicken
Take each chicken tender and wrap it snugly with a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick, if needed, to prevent it from unraveling during the cooking process.
Coat the Tenders
Dip the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders into the prepared honey garlic sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and creates a glossy, caramelized finish.
Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Keep a close eye on them during the baking process to prevent any burning.
Garnish and Serve
Once the tenders are out of the oven, sprinkle them with fresh, chopped parsley for a touch of herbal freshness. Serve the Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders warm, either as a delectable appetizer or as the star of a main course meal.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
These Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. As an appetizer, they make the perfect finger food for gatherings and parties, complemented by a tangy dipping sauce on the side. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
Regarding beverage pairings, the sweet and savory flavors of the tenders pair beautifully with a refreshing glass of white wine, a crisp beer, or a fizzy, citrusy cocktail like a honey lemon margarita or a honey-sweetened lemonade.
Nutritional Information and Health Considerations
While these Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are undoubtedly delicious, it’s essential to consider their nutritional profile. Each serving (approximately 3-4 tenders) contains approximately 300 calories, with a significant portion coming from the bacon’s fat content. To make this dish a bit healthier, you can try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, which has a lower fat and calorie count.
Additionally, the honey and soy sauce in the sauce provide a source of natural sugars, so it’s important to enjoy these tenders in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, you can reduce the amount of honey used in the sauce or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’re a fan of bacon-wrapped dishes and bold, flavorful chicken recipes, be sure to check out these other mouthwatering options:
- Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon
- Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Sticky Honey Chicken
- BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites
FAQs About Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter version of this dish. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon tends to be leaner and may not crisp up as well as regular bacon.
How long should I bake these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders for?
The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders and the type of bacon you use. In general, you will want to bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Can I make these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders ahead of time and reheat them?
Yes, you can make these ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Just be aware that the bacon may not be as crispy when reheated.
Can I use a different dipping sauce for these bacon-wrapped chicken tenders?
Of course! While the recipe typically calls for a honey mustard dipping sauce, feel free to use your favorite dipping sauce such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or buffalo sauce. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Conclusion: Embrace the Irresistible Flavors of Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, mouthwatering flavors and the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky. Whether you’re serving them as a show-stopping appetizer or enjoying them as the main event, these tenders are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to indulge in this delectable, crowd-pleasing dish!
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Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with these Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders! This irresistible dish combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon, the juicy tenderness of chicken, and the sweet and garlicky punch of a honey-based sauce. Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer for a party or enjoying them as a main course, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders – These lean and tender pieces of chicken are the perfect canvas for our flavor-packed wrap.
- 8 slices bacon – Crispy bacon is the star of the show, adding a salty, smoky element to balance the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup honey – The honey provides a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – A touch of soy sauce adds depth and umami to the honey garlic sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who love a little extra kick, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) – A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color to the final dish.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through while the bacon achieves a satisfying crispness.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Wrap the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and wrap it snugly with a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
- Coat the Tenders: Dip the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders into the prepared honey garlic sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh, chopped parsley and serve warm as an appetizer or main course.
Notes
These tenders can be made ahead of time and reheated. Consider using turkey bacon for a lighter option, and feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3-4 tenders
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg