Smoking bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on a propane grill is a delicious way to enjoy a smoky flavor with tender, juicy chicken. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it by Papa Ken at Maine Grilling Products.
Ingredients:
- Chicken tenders
- Bacon strips
- Dry rub or marinade of your choice
- Wood chips or wood chunks (such as hickory, apple, or cherry) for smoking
Equipment:
- Propane grill with a smoker box or a smoker attachment
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken Tenders:
- If you want to marinate the chicken, do so for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours before cooking. You can use your favorite marinade or a simple mix of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a strip of bacon. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.
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Prepare the Propane Grill:
- Set up your propane grill for indirect grilling. This means that one side of the grill will be on high heat, and the other side will be off. You'll be cooking your chicken on the cooler side.
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Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat the grill to around 225-250°F (107-121°C). It's crucial to maintain a low and consistent temperature for smoking.
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Add Wood Chips:
- Soak wood chips or wood chunks in water for about 30 minutes to create smoke or you can purchase some presoaked wood chips such as Bourbon Black Cherry. Drain them, and wrap them in aluminum foil, poking a few holes in the foil packet. Place the foil packet directly over the burner or on the grill grates above the burner that's turned on. This will produce smoke for flavor.
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Smoke the Chicken:
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the cool side of the grill, away from the direct heat. You want them to cook slowly in the smoke.
- Close the grill lid to trap the smoke and maintain a consistent temperature.
- Check the grill temperature regularly and adjust the burner as needed to maintain the target temperature.
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Smoke and Monitor:
- Smoke the chicken for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken. The bacon should be crispy by this point.
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Serve:
- Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Remember that smoking times can vary based on the size of your chicken tenders and the actual temperature of your grill, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they're fully cooked and safe to eat.
Enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped smoked chicken tenders right off the grill! Papa Ken