You’ve just described a party in a bite! Chicken strips wrapped in bacon are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course. They combine juicy chicken, crispy, salty bacon, and a sweet or savory glaze into pure perfection.
Here’s a foolproof recipe that will have everyone begging for the secret.
Candied Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Strips
This version uses a simple brown sugar glaze that caramelizes the bacon and creates an irresistible sticky-savory flavor.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 (as an appetizer)
Ingredients:
· 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into 1-inch thick strips)
· 1 lb thin-cut bacon
· ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· ¼ teaspoon black pepper
· Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick
· Wooden toothpicks, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows for air circulation, making the bacon crispy all over.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and (optional) cayenne.
- Coat the Chicken: Sprinkle about half of the brown sugar spice mixture over the chicken tenders, tossing to coat them evenly.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take one strip of bacon and wrap it tightly around one chicken tender in a spiral, slightly overlapping the bacon. The bacon should cover most of the chicken. Secure the end of the bacon with a soaked toothpick. Repeat with all chicken tenders.
- Add the Final Glaze: Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture generously over the bacon-wrapped chicken, pressing it gently to help it adhere.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the chicken strips on the prepared wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning!
- Serve: Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The bacon and glaze will be extremely hot.
Savory & Smoky Variation
If you prefer a savory route over sweet, try this marinade:
Ingredients for Marinade:
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: Marinate the chicken strips in this mixture for 30 minutes before wrapping them in bacon. Omit the brown sugar glaze.
Cooking Method Options:
· Air Fryer: These are PERFECT in the air fryer! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked.
· Grill: Place them on a preheated medium-high grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, with the lid closed, until bacon is crisp and chicken is done.
Pro-Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Chicken:
· Use Thin-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon won’t get crispy by the time the chicken is cooked.
· Pat the Chicken Dry: This is crucial for the seasoning to stick and for the bacon to crisp up instead of steaming.
· Don’t Skip the Wire Rack: This is the secret to avoiding soggy bottoms! It lets the bacon fat drip away.
· Make a Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, honey mustard, or a spicy barbecue sauce.
· Cheesy Version: Place a thin slice of pepper jack or cheddar cheese on the chicken before you wrap it in bacon.
Enjoy these incredibly addictive bites! They are perfect for game day, parties, or a fun and easy dinner.