Bacon-Wrapped Chicken – Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are generously seasoned with a flavorful rub, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked to perfection. The combination of savory bacon and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones or simply want to indulge in a delightful meal, this recipe is a must-try!
I have a little family of food enthusiasts, and let me tell you, Bacon-Wrapped Chicken has become our ultimate favorite! It all started one evening when I decided to experiment with flavors and surprise my husband with a special dinner. The aroma of the spices filled our home as the chicken baked in the oven, and anticipation grew with every passing minute. When we finally took our first bites, it was pure bliss. The succulent chicken, the smoky bacon, and the harmonious blend of spices created a symphony of flavors that captivated our taste buds. Since then, this recipe has held a special place in our hearts and has become a go-to meal for any occasion.
Why This Recipe is Irresistible?
- The combination of juicy chicken breast and crispy bacon creates a perfect texture contrast that will leave you wanting more.
- The flavorful rub, featuring a blend of spices like smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- The hint of sweetness from the brown sugar in the rub caramelizes as the chicken bakes, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
- This recipe is versatile, allowing you to use either chicken breasts, thin chicken tender cuts, or even large chicken thighs, based on your preference.
- The bacon not only enhances the taste but also helps keep the chicken moist and juicy throughout the cooking process.
Ingredients:
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules (or fresh minced garlic)
- 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or chili flakes or more smoked paprika)
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (or thin chicken tender cuts or large chicken thighs)
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon (approximately ⅛ inch thick)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (adjust quantity to taste preference)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic granules (or minced garlic), onion powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper to create the rub.
Take half of the brown sugar spice mix and sprinkle it evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts. Rub the mixture gently to ensure it covers the chicken thoroughly.
Wrap the bacon strips around the chicken breasts. The number of bacon strips required will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the length of the bacon. Wrap the bacon tightly but gently, starting and finishing with the seam side down for a neat appearance.
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar spice mix evenly over the chicken.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (185°C) and bake the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts for 25 to 30 minutes. Every 10 minutes, spoon the pan drippings over the chicken to ensure juiciness and infuse extra flavor.
To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast; when the temperature reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center of the breast to check for doneness. If it’s white all the way through, the chicken is cooked.
For crispy bacon, broil the chicken on the broiler setting for 2 minutes after it is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken hot, generously spooning the pan drippings over it. This delightful dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or your choice of vegetables.
Notes:
- For a twist, you can experiment with different spice variations or add a touch of your favorite herbs to the rub.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the chicken to prevent it from shrinking and becoming loose during baking.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so use a thermometer to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
Indulge in the irresistible combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon with this mouthwatering Bacon-Wrapped Chicken recipe. The perfectly seasoned rub adds a burst of flavor, while the caramelized brown sugar creates a delightful sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With its versatility and easy preparation, Bacon-Wrapped Chicken has the potential to become a staple dish in your household, just like it has in mine. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the savory and succulent delight that awaits you. Your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using chicken breasts, you can also use thin chicken tender cuts or large chicken thighs for a variation in taste and texture.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Certainly! Feel free to customize the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper or chili flakes in the rub to suit your taste preferences.
How can I ensure the chicken is cooked through without a thermometer?
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check the doneness of the chicken by cutting into the center of the breast. If the meat is white all the way through, it indicates that the chicken is cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can partially prepare it in advance by seasoning the chicken and wrapping it with bacon. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving for the best results.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Ingredients
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules or fresh minced garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes or more smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts or thin chicken tender cuts or large chicken thighs
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon approximately ⅛ inch thick
- ¼ cup brown sugar adjust quantity to taste preference
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic granules (or minced garlic), onion powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper to create the rub.
- Take half of the brown sugar spice mix and sprinkle it evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts. Rub the mixture gently to ensure it covers the chicken thoroughly.
- Wrap the bacon strips around the chicken breasts. The number of bacon strips required will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the length of the bacon. Wrap the bacon tightly but gently, starting and finishing with the seam side down for a neat appearance.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar spice mix evenly over the chicken.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (185°C) and bake the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts for 25 to 30 minutes. Every 10 minutes, spoon the pan drippings over the chicken to ensure juiciness and infuse extra flavor.
- To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast; when the temperature reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is cooked. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the center of the breast to check for doneness. If it's white all the way through, the chicken is cooked.
- For crispy bacon, broil the chicken on the broiler setting for 2 minutes after it is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken hot, generously spooning the pan drippings over it. This delightful dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or your choice of vegetables.
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