There’s something about bacon that just sings to the soul, isn’t there? It’s like the ultimate comfort food blanket, wrapping everything in a cozy, smoky hug.
I mean, who would’ve thought that a humble piece of chicken could be elevated to such sublime heights with just a simple strip of bacon? But here we are, living in times where such magic is not only possible but incredibly easy.
I remember the first time I tried bacon-wrapped chicken at a friend’s barbecue—it was a revelation, to say the least. The savory, crispy bacon paired with the tender, juicy chicken was like a culinary symphony that left me speechless.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a top chef to recreate this masterpiece at home.
So grab your skillet, fire up the oven, and let’s make some magic happen. Who knew chicken and bacon could get along so fabulously?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub half of the spice mixture on all sides of the chicken breasts. Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon, ensuring the seams are on the underside.
- Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a baking pan or ovenproof skillet. Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the top of the chicken.
- Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, occasionally basting with pan drippings, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. For extra crispy bacon, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon (avoid thick cut)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1992kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 212g | Fat: 92g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 692mg | Sodium: 2196mg | Potassium: 3856mg | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 2300IU | Vitamin C: 10.8mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 5.2mg
FAQ
- Can I use different cuts of chicken for bacon wrapped chicken?
- Yes, you can use various cuts such as thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts. Just make sure each piece is roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
- It is recommended to avoid thick cut bacon for this recipe, as it takes longer to cook. Standard bacon slices will achieve the desired crispiness in the given cooking time.
- How can I tell if my chicken is fully cooked?
- The most reliable way to check if your chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and it should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
- How long should I bake bacon wrapped chicken?
- The recipe suggests baking for 25-30 minutes, but cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the chicken. Larger or thicker pieces may take longer, possibly up to 40 minutes.
- What sides pair well with bacon wrapped chicken?
- Bacon wrapped chicken pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, broccoli, crispy Brussels sprouts, smashed potatoes, and honey glazed carrots. These can complement the flavors and make a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose Consistent Chicken Sizes: To ensure even cooking, select chicken pieces that are similar in size, whether using breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
- Avoid Thick Cut Bacon: Opt for regular bacon instead of thick-cut, as the latter takes longer to cook and may result in undercooked chicken or overly crispy bacon.
- Broil for Crispiness: For crispier bacon, consider broiling the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on it, as the sugar in the glaze can burn quickly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid slicing into the chicken to check doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Equipment
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
- Ovenproof Skillet or Baking Pan – To bake the chicken in the oven.
