Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds chicken tenders (10 to 12), or cutlets sliced lengthwise into 1-inch strips

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

4 scallions, white parts only, halved lengthwise and smashed (light- and dark- green tops reserved for Buttermilk-Scallion Ranch Dipping Sauce)

6 slices bacon (about 8 ounces), preferably center-cut, halved lengthwise (optional)

Vegetable oil, for brushing

Cocktail tomatoes and mini cucumber spears, for serving

Buttermilk-Scallion Ranch and Spicy Romesco Dipping Sauces, for serving

Preparation

In a bowl or resealable plastic bag, season chicken with salt and pepper. Add buttermilk and scallions, massaging to evenly coat chicken. Refrigerate at least 12 hours and up to 1 day.

Drain chicken; discard scallions. Wrap each tender with a strip of bacon and thread onto skewers, being sure to skewer bacon at top and bottom of each strip.

Preheat a grill for direct-heat cooking over medium. Brush grates with oil. Add chicken, cover, and cook, turning skewers a few times, until bacon is crisp and chicken is just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve with tomatoes, cucumbers, and dipping sauces.