Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Recipe: A Juicy Flavor Explosion

Crispy bacon adds an irresistible twist to classic chicken dishes that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Wrapping tender poultry in smoky, salty strips creates a mouthwatering combination everyone craves.

Salt and fat merge perfectly in this simple yet impressive meal.

Protein lovers appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch that contrasts against juicy meat inside.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe elevates a basic protein into something spectacular.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe for your next family dinner or casual gathering.

Why Bacon Wrapped Chicken Is So Crowd-Pleasing

  • Boost Flavor Explosion: Packed with a powerful blend of spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, this recipe delivers an incredible taste sensation that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned kitchen pros.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Bacon-wrapped chicken combines two beloved ingredients, transforming an ordinary meal into a mouthwatering experience that everyone at the table will absolutely adore.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible serving options like pairing with mashed potatoes and adjusting bacon crispness allow you to personalize the dish to your exact preferences.

What You Need For Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Fillets: Lean and tender meat that serves as the core base of the recipe.
Seasoning Mix:
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper, Flour: A blend of spices and powder that adds depth of flavor and helps create a tasty coating for the chicken.
Wrapping and Coating Ingredients:
  • Bacon Strips: Provides a crispy, savory exterior that wraps around the chicken and adds rich flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Offers a sweet caramelization that creates a delicious glaze on the bacon's surface.
  • Olive Oil: Helps enhance browning and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Serving Suggestion:
  • Mashed Potatoes: A classic side dish that complements the bacon-wrapped chicken and absorbs the flavorful pan juices.

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Chicken Easily

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Surface

Fire up the oven to 200°C/390°F. Cover a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion Seasoning

Blend together garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, flour, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl to generate a complex spice mixture.

Step 3: Coat Chicken with Seasoning Magic

Thoroughly cover each chicken fillet with the seasoning blend, ensuring an even coating and shaking off any excess spices.

Step 4: Wrap Chicken in Bacon Blanket

Take bacon strips and carefully wrap each seasoned chicken piece, starting from one end and rolling completely. Position each wrapped piece with the bacon seam facing downward.

Step 5: Add Sweet and Crispy Exterior

Generously sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped chicken. Use fingers to gently massage the sugar into the bacon’s surface for maximum caramelization.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place bacon-wrapped chicken on the prepared tray. Optionally drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and bacon becomes crispy.

Step 7: Create Irresistible Golden Finish

For extra crispy bacon, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Enhance Flavor and Juiciness

Use a basting brush to coat the chicken with pan drippings, creating a glossy and succulent exterior.

Step 9: Serve with Delicious Accompaniment

Plate the bacon-wrapped chicken over creamy mashed potatoes. Drizzle additional pan juices for extra flavor if desired.

Quick Tips For Juicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken

  • Ensure chicken is evenly coated with seasoning for maximum flavor throughout each bite.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices stick better and create a crispier exterior.
  • Use thin bacon strips for quicker, more even cooking and crispier results.
  • Check internal chicken temperature reaches 75°C/165°F to guarantee safe consumption.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika or chili powder for unique flavor profiles.

Cool Variations Of Bacon Wrapped Chicken

  • Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Chicken: Add diced jalapeños inside the bacon wrap for extra heat and kick.
  • Herb-Crusted Bacon Chicken: Mix fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the seasoning for an aromatic herb flavor.
  • Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, sweet Canadian-style coating.
  • Mediterranean Bacon Chicken: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and dried oregano into the seasoning mix for a Greek-inspired version.

Top Sides For Bacon Wrapped Chicken

  • Pair Zesty Citrus Salad: Bright, tangy mixed greens with orange segments and lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness of bacon-wrapped chicken.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio's light, refreshing notes balance the savory, smoky flavors perfectly.
  • Serve Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: Caramelized, slightly sweet potato sides echo the brown sugar glaze and provide a hearty accompaniment.
  • Add Creamy Garlic Aioli: Smooth, garlicky sauce offers a cool contrast to the warm, spicy chicken, enhancing overall flavor complexity.

How To Keep Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tasty

  • Refrigerator Storage: Seal bacon-wrapped chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container tightly closed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
  • Freezer Storage: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 175°C/350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C/165°F.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel.

Questions About Bacon Wrapped Chicken

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork tenderloin or turkey breast. Adjust cooking time based on the meat’s thickness and ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature.

  • What if I don't have all the spices in the seasoning mix?

You can modify the seasoning mix with what you have. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper are essential. If missing cayenne or paprika, use chili powder or smoked paprika as alternatives.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bacon-wrapped chicken fillets ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. They’re great for making in batches and reheating throughout the week.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use turkey bacon or lean bacon, reduce brown sugar quantity, and choose skinless chicken breasts.

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Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delectable bacon wrapped chicken delivers a mouthwatering fusion of crispy bacon and juicy chicken breasts. Succulent flavors meld perfectly, creating an irresistible main dish that will satisfy your most intense comfort food cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 large chicken thigh fillets (about 5 ounces / 150 grams each), cut in half
  • 8 pieces of streaky bacon

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, can substitute with more paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 200°C/390°F and cover a baking tray with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
  2. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, flour, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. Thoroughly coat each chicken fillet with the seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage and gently tapping off excess powder.
  4. Carefully wrap each seasoned chicken piece with a bacon strip, positioning the meat at one end and rolling tightly to create a compact bundle.
  5. Generously sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped chicken, massaging the crystals into the surface for caramelization.
  6. Position the prepared chicken pieces on the lined baking tray, seam side facing down to prevent unraveling during cooking.
  7. Optional: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken to enhance moisture and promote golden browning.
  8. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, monitoring the chicken’s internal temperature and bacon’s crispness.
  9. For additional golden color, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Remove from oven and brush accumulated pan juices over the bacon to create a glossy, succulent exterior.
  11. Plate the bacon-wrapped chicken atop creamy mashed potatoes and garnish with extra pan drippings for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is at room temperature before seasoning to guarantee even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels before coating to help seasonings stick better and create crispier bacon.
  • Use thin bacon slices for more even cooking and crunchier texture, preventing undercooked or fatty sections.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 371
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 790mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 99mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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