Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipes That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away

Have you ever stood in front of your refrigerator at 5:30 PM, wondering what on earth to make for dinner? That was me last Tuesday, until I spotted chicken breasts and a package of bacon tucked in the back of the meat drawer. That night, my family went crazy for the bacon wrapped chicken I threw together, and it’s been on regular rotation ever since. There’s something magical about how bacon transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor that makes everyone at the table smile.

This bacon wrapped chicken recipe is my go-to when I need a dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for weekend dinner guests. Best of all? You probably have everything you need already sitting in your kitchen.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Ingredients

Bacon wrapped chicken starts with just a few simple ingredients that combine to create something truly spectacular. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on size)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works beautifully)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Don’t have these exact spices? No problem! The beauty of bacon wrapped chicken is its flexibility. You can swap the spice mix for Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even just salt and pepper if you’re in a hurry. For a dairy-free version, skip any cheese toppings. If you’re watching carbs, reduce or eliminate the brown sugar and this dish still turns out wonderfully.

Timing for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

This bacon wrapped chicken cooks up in about half the time of a traditional roast chicken, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Creating this mouthwatering bacon wrapped chicken is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick, consider slicing them horizontally or pounding them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) to ensure even cooking.

2. Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over each chicken breast, coating all sides generously. This seasoning creates the foundation of flavor that makes this bacon wrapped chicken so irresistible.

3. Wrap with Bacon

Lay 2-3 strips of bacon on a cutting board, slightly overlapping the edges. Place a seasoned chicken breast at one end and roll it up, wrapping the bacon around the chicken. The bacon should completely wrap around the chicken. If needed, secure with toothpicks. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

Pro tip: Stretching the bacon slightly as you wrap helps it stick to itself and stay in place during cooking.

4. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon wrapped chicken, seam side down first. Sear for about 2 minutes on each side until the bacon begins to crisp and turn golden. This step locks in juices and gives the bacon a head start on crisping.

5. Finish in the Oven

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (if you skipped the searing step, place the bacon wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.

6. Rest and Serve

Remove the bacon wrapped chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken stays moist and flavorful.

Nutritional Information for Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Each serving of bacon wrapped chicken (one bacon-wrapped breast) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 3g

The high protein content makes this dish particularly satisfying, while the moderate fat content from the bacon adds richness without going overboard. The bacon not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.

Equipment Needed for Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Making bacon wrapped chicken requires minimal kitchen equipment:

• Oven-safe skillet (cast iron works beautifully)
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Small bowl for mixing seasonings
• Toothpicks (optional)
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (if not using a skillet)

Having a reliable meat thermometer is especially important when cooking chicken to ensure it reaches the safe temperature of 165°F without overcooking.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe

There are countless reasons why this bacon wrapped chicken deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation:

1. It’s nearly impossible to end up with dry chicken. The bacon creates a protective layer that keeps moisture locked inside the chicken breasts.

2. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t get excited about bacon-wrapped anything!

3. It’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone watching their carb intake.

4. It’s endlessly customizable. Change up the seasonings, add a stuffing of cheese or veggies, or glaze with BBQ sauce for endless variations.

5. It feels fancy but requires basic cooking skills. Impress dinner guests without stressing yourself out in the kitchen.

Healthier Alternatives for Bacon Wrapped Chicken

While bacon wrapped chicken is delicious as-is, here are some tweaks to make it fit various dietary needs:

• Lower fat version: Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. It has less fat but still provides that wonderful wrapped effect.

• Lower sodium option: Look for uncured, low-sodium bacon and reduce the added salt in your seasoning mix.

• Paleo-friendly: Skip the brown sugar or replace it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

• Mediterranean twist: Wrap with prosciutto instead of bacon and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

As noted in a recent StackSipSnack’s guide to protein-rich dinners, making small adjustments to classic recipes can significantly impact their nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Bacon wrapped chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some perfect companions:

• For a light meal: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

• For heartier appetites: Add garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

• For a complete dinner: Try this with StackSipSnack’s roasted sweet potato medley for a colorful, nutritious plate.

• For a summer meal: Pair with grilled corn on the cob and a fresh tomato salad.

The rich flavor of bacon wrapped chicken also works wonderfully with acidic sides like a tangy coleslaw or a bright, lemony quinoa salad that can cut through the richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Even a straightforward recipe like bacon wrapped chicken has a few pitfalls to watch for:

1. Using thick-cut bacon without adjusting cook time. Thick-cut bacon takes longer to crisp up than regular bacon. If using thick-cut, consider par-cooking it for a minute or two in the microwave before wrapping.

2. Not securing the bacon properly. If your bacon keeps unwrapping during cooking, use toothpicks to keep everything in place.

3. Skipping the meat thermometer. Visual cues aren’t always reliable with bacon wrapped chicken since the bacon can look done while the chicken inside remains undercooked.

4. Overcrowding the pan when searing. Work in batches if needed to ensure each piece gets proper contact with the pan for optimal browning.

5. Not letting the chicken rest. Cutting into your bacon wrapped chicken immediately after cooking will release all those precious juices onto your plate instead of keeping them in the meat.

Storing Tips for Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Bacon wrapped chicken makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the seasonings continue to permeate the meat.

• Freezing: You can freeze cooked bacon wrapped chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions in parchment paper, then foil, before placing in a freezer bag.

• Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the bacon soggy.

• Meal prep: You can prepare bacon wrapped chicken up to a day ahead and store it uncooked in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.

Conclusion

Bacon wrapped chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a lifesaver on busy evenings and a guaranteed way to make ordinary chicken extraordinary. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and savory seasonings creates a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal effort.

Whether you’re cooking for picky family members, planning a dinner party, or just treating yourself to something special, this bacon wrapped chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable meals.

Have you tried making bacon wrapped chicken at home? Share your experience or variations in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more protein-packed dinner ideas, check out HarmonyMeal’s collection of 30-minute chicken recipes for your next mealtime inspiration.

FAQs About Bacon Wrapped Chicken

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