Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that hits all the right notes — sweet, smoky, savory, juicy, and satisfying — look no further than Bacon Wrapped Chicken. There’s just something magical that happens when tender chicken breasts are seasoned, hugged by strips of smoky bacon, and then glazed with a lick of maple-Dijon that bakes to a luscious finish in the oven. Every bite tastes like a decadent treat, but it’s so simple to pull off, you’ll want it to become a regular on your dinner table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon Wrapped Chicken is all about layering simple ingredients for knockout flavor. Let’s take a look at exactly what you’ll need and why each element matters — from the juicy chicken, to the flavor-packed glaze, to the finishing golden bacon crust.

• Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts, about 4 ounces each, for quick, even cooking and easy wrapping.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhances and brings out all the natural savory goodness in both the chicken and bacon.
• Sweet or Smoked Paprika: Adds a little warmth and color; smoked paprika will bring a deeper, smoky note if you love that touch.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle garlicky backbone that complements the bacon beautifully.
• Onion Powder: Rounds out the seasoning with sweet, allium complexity; use ¼ to ½ teaspoon for flexible flavor intensity.
• Bacon Slices: Wraps everything in a salty, smoky embrace; you’ll need enough to cover each chicken breast fully (8 to 12 slices).
• Maple Syrup: The key to the glaze; opt for sugar-free if you prefer, but the caramel notes are essential for that beautiful finish.
• Dijon Mustard: Balances the sweetness of the maple and gives a gentle sharpness that brings the glaze to life.
• Freshly Cracked Pepper (Optional): Cracked on top for a peppery pop right before baking.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): Sprinkled over the finished dish for a touch of color and fresh flavor.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 425˚F. While it heats, grab a 9×13 baking dish and lightly grease it with butter. This helps ensure the Bacon Wrapped Chicken crisps up beautifully and doesn’t stick, plus the butter adds a little richness to any pan juices you’ll drizzle over later.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Blend

In a small mixing bowl, combine your salt, freshly ground black pepper, sweet or smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s a quick step, but this seasoning sets the stage for everything that follows. Each spice is chosen to enhance — not overwhelm — the mild chicken and make every bite more interesting.

Step 3: Season & Wrap the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and give each one a generous rub-down with the prepared seasoning blend. Now comes the fun (and most satisfying) part: wrapping! Take two or three bacon slices and overlap them slightly, then wrap each breast, covering as much of the surface as you can. Tuck any loose ends underneath and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. This keeps everything snug as they cook and helps the bacon get extra crispy.

Step 4: Maple-Dijon Glaze

Whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth — you want a glaze that’s perfectly balanced and spoonable. Brush this over each bacon-wrapped chicken breast, being generous so every nook soaks up the glossy, sweet-savory flavor. If you love a little extra heat, you can even add a pinch of cayenne here.

Step 5: Bake to Juicy Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the oven and let the Bacon Wrapped Chicken roast away for 22 to 25 minutes. For the best results, baste once or twice using the pan juices, keeping your chicken extra juicy and the bacon moist. Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark, aiming for an internal temp of 165˚F. The bacon should be glistening and sizzling — but if you want that classic crisp, don’t worry, we’re not done yet!

Step 6: Broil for Crispy Bacon (Optional)

If your bacon needs a little more crunch, pop the whole dish under the broiler for two minutes. Keep a close eye — bacon can go from golden to smoky fast! This finishing step is the secret to restaurant-worthy Bacon Wrapped Chicken at home.

Step 7: Let It Rest & Serve

Patience pays off! Let your Bacon Wrapped Chicken rest for five to eight minutes right out of the oven so the juices redistribute and the flavors settle. Before serving, spoon some of the luscious pan sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a final hit of color and freshness.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Garnishes

A simple burst of chopped fresh parsley does wonders for the eyes and nose — it looks instantly more vibrant and brings a subtle earthy note that plays well with the smokiness of the bacon. For a special touch, try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a drizzle of extra maple syrup just before bringing your platter to the table.

Side Dishes

Pair your Bacon Wrapped Chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for classic comfort, or keep things fresh with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted or grilled veggies like asparagus, green beans, or carrots are also wonderful here. Anything that lets the bacon-wrapped goodness shine is a perfect match!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing each chicken breast thickly on a bias and fanning the pieces out on a serving platter — this not only looks impressive, but also lets guests see those gorgeous layers. For an appetizer spin, use smaller chicken tenderloins wrapped in half-slices of bacon and secure with toothpicks; they’re irresistible as bite-sized party snacks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Bacon Wrapped Chicken completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen by day two, making the leftovers a real treat for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze Bacon Wrapped Chicken for longer storage — just wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, move chilled pieces to the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and freshness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350˚F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes or until hot all the way through. This helps keep the bacon and chicken moist while gently reviving that crispy exterior. A blast under the broiler for the final 1 to 2 minutes can help re-crisp the bacon if you like!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy during baking. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, checking for an internal temperature of 165˚F before serving.

What’s the best type of bacon for Bacon Wrapped Chicken?

Thinner-sliced bacon tends to wrap and crisp up better, ensuring it’s fully cooked by the time the chicken is done. Thick-cut bacon can be used, but it may need more broiling at the end to crisp.

Is it necessary to use maple syrup in the glaze?

Maple syrup adds amazing caramelization and sweetness, but you can swap it for honey or agave nectar if preferred, or use a sugar-free syrup as suggested in the recipe. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but the results are always delicious.

Can I assemble Bacon Wrapped Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can season and wrap your chicken breasts up to a day ahead and refrigerate them, covered. When you’re ready to eat, glaze and bake as directed — it’s a fantastic option when hosting or prepping dinner in advance.

How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during baking?

Placing the wrapped chicken seam-side down in the baking dish is usually enough, but if you’re using thick slices or making mini versions, secure the ends with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing Bacon Wrapped Chicken with family or friends — it’s the kind of recipe that brings cheers to the table and is shockingly easy to pull off. Give it a try, play with the seasonings, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your dinnertime rotation!

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