It doesn't look like you actually bent the chain link itself as viewed from your picture. Sometimes when you join a chain that doesn't have a master link, the one link you use to make the joint ends up stiff. It may be just a matter of needing to spread the stiff link. See step 6 in this Instructable tutorial https://www.instructables.com/id/Usi...ke-Chain-Tool/
Note that you use the second set of pins for this. It doesn't take much, maybe an 1/8 turn of the handle. Just back it off, test the link, and try again a bit more it the link is still stiff. I can't think of two greater inventions than a master link chain and an $8-10 master link removal tool. You can buy decent KMC chains online from eBay or Amazon and not have to mess around with the chain pin tool.