There’s something magical about combining the smoky flavor of bacon with tender chicken, and this Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts recipe does exactly that. It’s a dish that’s both simple to make and satisfying to eat, which makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
I remember the first time I made a version of this dish was during a family camping trip. We were in the middle of the woods, and all we had was a portable grill and some basic ingredients. I wrapped the chicken breasts in bacon, seasoned them with whatever spices we had, and threw them on the grill. The smell alone drew everyone to the cooking area, and we ended up having a memorable meal under the stars. Since then, I’ve made this dish countless times at home, tweaking it slightly each time to find the perfect balance of flavors.
One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. While the base recipe is fantastic, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. For instance, if you like a bit of heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix. You could also stuff the chicken breasts with cheese or herbs before wrapping them in bacon for an extra layer of flavor. Another variation is to brush the bacon with a bit of barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of baking, which adds a delicious sweet and smoky glaze.
Regardless of how you choose to make it, this Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or some creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 pieces)
- 10 slices of thin bacon
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Use about two-thirds of the spice blend to coat all sides of the chicken breasts evenly.
- Wrap each chicken breast with 2 to 3 strips of bacon, ensuring that the seams of the bacon are aligned on one side.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish with the bacon seam side down. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture over the bacon, pressing it gently into the bacon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave on medium power to maintain the bacon’s crispiness.
FAQs:
Can I use thick-cut bacon instead of thin-cut bacon?
Yes, you can use thick-cut bacon, but be aware that it might not crisp up as well in the given cooking time. You may need to extend the baking time slightly or briefly broil the chicken at the end to achieve a crispy texture.
What can I do if my bacon is not crisping up?
If your bacon is not crispy enough, you can switch the oven to broil for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the bacon. Alternatively, you can pan-fry the bacon-wrapped chicken briefly before baking.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Start checking the temperature at the 25-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken breasts by seasoning and wrapping them in bacon ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
What sides pair well with bacon-wrapped chicken breasts?
Bacon-wrapped chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The richness of the chicken complements starchy or green sides well.
Is it possible to cook this recipe on a grill?
Yes, you can cook bacon-wrapped chicken on a grill. Use indirect heat and cover the grill while cooking. The cooking time may vary, so monitor the internal temperature closely, ensuring it reaches 165°F. Grilling can add a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 lbs)
- 10 slices of thin-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt adjust according to taste
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt.
- Take about two-thirds of this seasoning mixture and evenly rub it over all sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Wrap each chicken breast with 2 to 3 slices of bacon, making sure to align the bacon seams on the same side. Place the chicken in a baking dish with the seam side facing down.
- Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the bacon-wrapped chicken, gently pressing it into the bacon.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped chicken!
