These Tennessee Tenders are chicken tenderloins that have been seasoned and wrapped in bacon. Incredibly flavorful and a favorite for any occasion!
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For our guest recipe submission number 2, Carson has shared his amazing Tennessee Tenders!! Not only do these look amazing, but when he posted this picture on our Facebook page, several people begged for the recipe. Well……here it is!! Thank you so much Carson for sharing this fabulous recipe, I cannot wait to try them!!
“Tennessee Tenders are chicken tenderloins I smoke for my wife’s Sunday School Class. I enjoy bringing these to their Annual Christmas gathering because everyone loves them. Some folks like them plain. Others like Ranch, Honey Mustard & Blue Cheese to dip them. We also smoke wings using this recipe. We use 1/2 a slice of bacon on them.”
Bacon-wrapped Tennessee Tenders are juicy, flavorful, and crispy. The bacon keeps the chicken from drying out, and the seasoning/rub brings makes these a favorite with everyone!
One of our favorite rubs to use on chicken would have to be Chupacabra! We literally use it on chicken, vegetables, eggs, and just about anything else! Check it out and perhaps give it a try on this recipe! Also make sure you check out our other smoker recipes HERE, lots to choose from and all have been family approved!
Ingredients needed for these Tennessee Tenders
Chicken Tenderloins- you can also use chicken breast, just cut into small pieces
Your Favorite Seasoning/Rub- we love Chupacabra (see link above), however, you can use any seasoning desired from Cajun, all purpose, lemon pepper, and more
Bacon- thin sliced works best in this recipe
Butter- salted
*See recipe card below for exact measurements
How to prepare these Incredible Chicken Tenders
Frequently asked questions
Can I cook these in the oven if I don’t have a smoker? Absolutely! Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook for about 35-40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Why do I need to use thin sliced bacon? Thin sliced wraps easier around the chicken tenders and cooks evenly. After several trials using both thick and thin, we all favored thin.
What pellets do you recommend for the smoker? We use apple pellets in this recipe; however, you can’t go wrong with Maple, Mesquite, and any other flavor you have.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes! Simply cut the breasts into smaller strips and proceed with recipe as directed below.
What to serve with these Tennessee Tenders
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Tennessee Tenders
Equipment
Ingredients
- Chicken Tenderloins
- Your favorite rub *check out Chupacabra seasoning link above
- thin sliced bacon
- butter, salted
- wood chips for smoker *I use apple
Instructions
- Coat each side of the tenders with rub. (I coat each side with a different rub from above)
- Wrap each tender with a slice of bacon (Sam’s has a 10lb box of restaurant style bacon. The slices are separated and on wax paper. They are easy to peel off. Your bacon does not need to be frozen. You like a little stretch to it. It freezes well too)
- Get your smoker to 300 degrees. Put your tenders on the smoker.
- Add some chips to the fire.
- Smoke your tenders at 250-300 degrees.
- Flip the tenders after an hour.
- They are done when the tenders reach 165 degrees.
- Slather them with a generous helping of butter. Serve!
Fran Cook
Looks so good /. going to try them all !
Kristin
Hope you enjoy them!!
Ann
If you were to bake these in the oven, how long would you bake them? Thank You
Kristin
I would put them in the oven at 350 and bake for about 35 minutes, and watch it from there. It depends on size, oven, etc. but 35 minutes is a good starting point! Enjoy!
nicole
oh! now i wanna buy a smoker….. i’m drooling….chicken and bacon….dear GOD have mercy…
Kristin
LOL!! You can also make these in the oven!! You’ll love them!!
Ann
Do you put the bacon wrapped tenders directly on the smoker grate or leave them on the pan as shown in your picture??
Kristin
The tenders go directly on the smoker grates. We just place them on the pan once cooked so it is easier to bring inside! Enjoy!!
Ann
Can you cook these in the oven ?
Kristin
Sure!! They won’t have the “smoked” flavor, but they will still be delicious!! I would cook them at 350 🙂
Doris Harvey
Thanv You These Sound Delicious Going To Have. To Definately Try..
Kristin
you’ll love these!! Keep me posted if you try them!!