Savory Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Recipe

There’s something magical about combining two of the best ingredients in the world—bacon and chicken. When I made this Savory Bacon-Wrapped Chicken for my family, it quickly became a weeknight staple. The crispy, smoky bacon perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken, making every bite absolutely irresistible. It’s a simple, hearty dish that feels a little bit fancy but is actually super easy to throw together. Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients! Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just whipping up something delicious for a regular evening, this recipe will make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of bacon (2 slices per chicken breast)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and honey. Set aside.
4. Wrap the Chicken with Bacon: Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon, making sure the ends of the bacon slices overlap slightly to secure them. You can use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place if needed.
5. Brush with Honey Mustard: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of each piece with the honey mustard glaze.
6. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 400
• Total fat: 24g
• Saturated fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 37g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Over mashed potatoes: The savory chicken pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes.
• With roasted veggies: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for a colorful, healthy meal.
• In a sandwich: Slice up the chicken and serve in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a hearty lunch option.
• On top of a salad: Dice up any leftovers and toss them into a salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
• With rice or quinoa: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all the juices.

Additional Tips

1. Use thin bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best because it crisps up faster, ensuring the chicken stays juicy while the bacon gets crispy.
2. Try flavored bacon: For extra flavor, use smoked or peppered bacon. It adds a deeper, more complex taste to the dish.
3. Avoid overcooking: Chicken breasts can dry out easily, so use a meat thermometer to check when they hit 165°F to ensure juicy results.
4. Add cheese: If you want to make this extra indulgent, tuck a slice of mozzarella or cheddar inside the chicken before wrapping it with bacon.
5. Use toothpicks: If the bacon doesn’t stay wrapped around the chicken, secure it with toothpicks before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Stuff the chicken with cream cheese and herbs or a slice of mozzarella for an extra surprise when you cut into it.
• Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or brush the chicken with sriracha before wrapping it in bacon for a spicy kick.
• Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs: Swap out chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and slightly richer flavor.
• Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with BBQ Glaze: Instead of the honey mustard, brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor profile.
• Herb-Crusted Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Add a layer of fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) under the bacon for a more aromatic version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
• Pair with a side salad of arugula, feta, and a balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
• Add a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
• Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob for a summer twist.
• Make it a complete dinner with a side of wild rice or quinoa for a healthier option.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked, bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave, but the bacon might not be as crispy.

Special Equipment

• Baking sheet: A sturdy, rimmed baking sheet is essential to hold the juices as the chicken bakes.
• Parchment paper or foil: This will make cleanup a breeze and keep the chicken from sticking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensure perfectly cooked chicken by checking the internal temperature (it should reach 165°F).
• Toothpicks: If the bacon tends to unravel, toothpicks can help secure it.

FAQ

1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative, though it won’t crisp up quite as much as pork bacon. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

2. Can I grill the bacon-wrapped chicken?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning frequently to make sure the bacon gets crispy without burning.

3. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

4. What can I serve with bacon-wrapped chicken?
This dish is versatile! It goes well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or even a simple salad.

5. How can I make sure the bacon is crispy?
To ensure crispy bacon, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

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Closing Note

If you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both savory and satisfying, this Savory Bacon-Wrapped Chicken is a must-try. It’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. The crispy bacon, tender chicken, and easy preparation make this recipe a go-to when you want something comforting with a bit of flair. Enjoy!