Looking for a tasty and simple meal that fits your carnivore or keto lifestyle? Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that might just become your new favorite: carnivore bacon wrapped chicken tenders.
This dish is all about bringing together two crowd pleasing ingredients – juicy chicken and crispy bacon – in a way that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
These chicken tenders are sure to hit the spot. The best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to whip these up.
With just a handful of ingredients and some basic steps, you’ll have a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
So, if you’re tired of the same old chicken recipes and want to try something that’s both simple and delicious, stick around.
I’ll walk you through how to make these bacon-wrapped wonders that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even as a party snack that’s sure to impress your guests.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein Packed Meal- These tenders are loaded with protein. Chicken and bacon together make for a dish that’ll keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s a great way to meet your protein needs without having to eat bland or boring food.
Crowd Pleaser- Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, these bacon wrapped chicken tenders are sure to be a hit.
The combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon is hard to resist. Even picky eaters tend to love this dish – trust me on this!
Perfect for Low Carb Diets- Looking to stick to your diet? If you’re following a carnivore or keto diet, these tenders fit right in. No carbs in sight. You can enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about going off track with your eating plan.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 16 slices Bacon
- 2 pounds Chicken Tenders (16 tenders)
- 1/2 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper (ground)
- 2 teaspoon Paprika (I recommend using this smoked paprika – amazon)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
We use small amounts of seasonings to add taste. For a fully carnivore version, just leave them out.
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the oven to 425°F and lining two baking pans with aluminum foil. Then top with a metal rack.
Step 2
Add all the herbs and spices to a ziplock bag. Shake it until well blended.
Step 3
Place the chicken tenders inside, close, and shake until the chicken is evenly and well coated.
Step 4
Wrap each piece in bacon, tucking the ends.
Step 5
Place on the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes at 425°F until the bacon is crispy. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Prepare The Chicken Tenders Properly
Before wrapping the chicken in bacon, make sure your tenders are dry. Excess moisture can prevent the bacon from crisping up nicely. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning.
If your chicken tenders are particularly large or uneven in size, consider cutting them into more uniform pieces. This will ensure even cooking and make wrapping easier.
2. Brine The Chicken For Extra Juiciness
To ensure your chicken tenders stay juicy and flavorful, consider brining them before cooking.
Create a simple brine by dissolving 1/4 cup of salt in 4 cups of water. Submerge the chicken tenders in this mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
This process helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking, resulting in juicier tenders. After brining, rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry before seasoning and wrapping.
3. Serve With A Sauce
While this recipe is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level by serving it with a carnivore friendly dipping sauce.
A simple mixture of mayonnaise and mustard works well (if you are not on a strict carnivore diet).
Or you can make a quick aioli by mixing mayonnaise with crushed garlic and a splash of lemon juice (again, not an option if you are on a strict diet. But for most people – it’s not a problem).
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FAQ
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can! If using chicken breasts, you’ll need to cut them into strips about 1-1.5 inches wide. Cut them lengthwise, trying to keep each piece roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
2. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryers work great for this recipe. Cook them at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make sure not to overcrowd the basket – the pieces shouldn’t touch each other. You might need to cook them in batches.
Carnivore Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Print RecipeIngredients
- 16 slices Bacon
- 2 pounds Chicken Tenders 16 tenders
- 1/2 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper ground
- 2 teaspoon Paprika (I recommend using this smoked paprika - amazon)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 425°F and lining two baking pans with aluminum foil. Then top with a metal rack.
- Add all the herbs and spices to a ziplock bag. Shake it until well blended.
- Place the chicken tenders inside, close, and shake until the chicken is evenly and well coated.
- Wrap each piece in bacon, tucking the ends.
- Place on the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes at 425°F until the bacon is crispy. Enjoy!