BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

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Whether its tailgating or a backyard cookout these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders are one of my favorite appetizers to serve.

These chicken tenders are seasoned with a sweet and spicy dry rub then smoked on the pellet grill and then brushed with a bold bbq sauce.

Kids, adults and everyone in-between love these bacon wrapped chicken tenders and I know you will too!!

Gold Rush Sauce!!

I don’t know if anyone remembers the Gold Rush Chicken Sandwich ant Roy Roger’s but when I was a kid that was my jam!!

The sandwich had bacon, chicken provolone and a honey mustard sauce that was closer to a bbq sauce…and don’t forget the fixing’ bar!!!!

This awesome “Gold Rush”mustard bbq sauce from Utz Works reminds me of that sandwich and is the perfect glaze for these bacon wrapped chicken tenders.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

• Layout an equal amount of chicken strips and slices of bacon. Wrap a slice of bacon at a 45 degree angle around the chicken tenderloin tucking the end of the bacon underneath. Continue until all your chicken tenders are wrapped in bacon.
• Place the bacon wrapped tenders in the fridge for 30 minutes while you heat up your pellet grill to 300 degrees F.
• Lightly season the chicken tenders with your favorite dry rub and cook for 30-45 minutes until the bacon begins to brown. Once the bacon is fully cooked you can brush the chicken tenders with mustard bbq sauce.
• Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes until the sauce caramelizes on the chicken tenders.

Ingredient List

• Chicken Tenderloins ( or breasts cut into strips)
• Bacon
• BBQ Dry Rub
• Cooking Spray
• Mustard BBQ Sauce

What dipping sauces should you serve

Here is a list of just a few sauces I think you’ll love with these bacon wrapped chicken tenders or just dip them in more Gold Rush BBQ Sauce.

• Southwestern Ranch
• Fresh Peach Salsa
• Blue Cheese
• Mississippi Comeback Sauce

Variations and Pro Tips

Bacon: I always use a thin cut bacon for wrapping. The fat renders out and will cook quicker driving you a much better texture. Save the thick cuts for burgers and BLT’s. You can also substitute Prosciutto if you prefer and use an Italian seasoning on the chicken tenders.

Chicken: This recipe will work with boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts if you don’t want to use chicken tenderloins. Just trim off any excess fat and slice into strips. Turkey Breast is also a good variation for this recipe.

Prep: You can prep these bbq chicken tenders up to 2 days ahead of time and store them in a sealed container.

Storage: You can store the cooked bacon wrapped chicken tenders in the fridge in a container for up to 5 days.

Reheat: Your air fryer or oven are both great options for reheating. Wrap the tenders in foil and cook at 350 degrees F. for about 10-12 minutes just until warm and serve.

Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a pellet grill you can make these using a gas or charcoal grill. Set up the heat for a 2 zone cook and grill the chicken tenders over indirect heat for about 20-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes You Will Love

• Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Hoisin BBQ Sauce
• Smoked Brisket Egg Rolls (leftover brisket recipe)
• Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese
• Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Hotdogs
• Juicy Grilled Chicken on a Charcoal Grill

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