Bacon Wrapped Chicken: The Crispy, Juicy Combo You’ve Been Dreaming Of!

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dish to make, look no further than bacon-wrapped chicken. This comforting dish combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Whether you’re preparing dinner for a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, bacon-wrapped chicken will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Let’s dive into how to make this savory treat step by step!

Ingredients

Here’s the basic lineup for your bacon-wrapped chicken:

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless works best for easy wrapping.
• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a crispier and more satisfying texture.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite herbs. Feel free to customize based on your preferences.
• Optional additions: For a little extra flavor, consider stuffing the chicken with cheese, spinach, or herbs before wrapping it with bacon.

It’s simple yet delicious! And if you’re looking for a pork-free version, you can easily swap the bacon for turkey bacon or even prosciutto. No one will miss the traditional pork bacon.

How to Prepare the Chicken

Before we start wrapping things up, you’ll want to prep your chicken. Here’s what to do:

1. Trim the Chicken: Remove any excess fat or skin from your chicken breasts or thighs. If you prefer a thinner chicken breast, feel free to butter it, but it’s not necessary unless you plan to stuff it.
2. Season the Chicken: Season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These seasonings complement the smoky bacon perfectly but don’t be afraid to mix things up with your favorite herbs.
3. Stuff the Chicken (optional): To take your bacon-wrapped chicken up a notch, you can add cheese, spinach, or even a little bit of cream cheese inside the chicken for a tasty surprise. Just make sure not to overstuff it.

Wrapping the Chicken

Now for the fun part – wrapping! Here’s how to do it right:

1. Wrap the Chicken with Bacon: Lay your strips of bacon over the chicken, making sure they overlap slightly to keep everything together while cooking. For extra flavor, try wrapping the chicken in two layers of bacon for an extra crispy finish.
2. Secure the Bacon: You can use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place, but if you’re wrapping the chicken tightly enough, the bacon should stay in place without them.

Cooking the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

Once your chicken is prepped and wrapped, it’s time to cook it. There are a few ways to go about this, depending on your preferences:

Option 1: Baking in the Oven

Baking is probably the easiest way to cook bacon-wrapped chicken. Here’s what you need to do:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place your bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking rack. A rack will allow the fat from the bacon to drip off and help it crisp up better.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn’t burn.
• Optional: To add a final crispy touch, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, but make sure to watch it closely.

Option 2: Grilling

Grilling gives the bacon-wrapped chicken an added smoky flavor. Here’s how to grill it:

• Preheat your grill to medium heat.
• Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For extra flavor, you can baste the chicken with a marinade or BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking.

Option 3: Pan-Seared & Oven-Finished

If you prefer a quicker method, you can pan-sear the bacon-wrapped chicken:

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
• Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the bacon crisps.
• To finish cooking, transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches the right internal temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Once your bacon-wrapped chicken is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve it up! Here are a few ideas to complement this rich, savory dish:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing the chicken with some roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes.
• Potatoes: Whether mashed, roasted, or in the form of crispy fries, potatoes are the perfect companion to bacon-wrapped chicken.
• Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the bacon and chicken.
• Sauces: Consider serving with BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a creamy garlic dip.

Tips & Tricks

• Prevent splattering: If you’re worried about bacon grease splattering in the oven, consider using a baking rack to elevate the chicken or placing a layer of foil over the chicken for the first part of cooking.
• Check for doneness: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C).
• Extra crispy bacon: If you want even crispier bacon, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

Alternative Versions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to try:

• Cheese-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Stuff the chicken with mozzarella or cheddar cheese before wrapping it in bacon for a melty surprise inside.
• Turkey or Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite.
• Vegetarian Option: Try wrapping plant-based bacon or prosciutto around stuffed portobello mushrooms or tofu for a savory, non-meat alternative.

Conclusion

Bacon-wrapped chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is versatile and full of flavor.

With a crispy bacon exterior and juicy, tender chicken on the inside, it’s hard to resist. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – we promise it’ll become a family favorite!

FAQs

Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner or pork-free option. While it may not crisp up quite as much as regular bacon, it will still add a delicious smoky flavor to your chicken.

Q: How do I know when my bacon-wrapped chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. If you’re unsure, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check for any pinkness.

Q: Can I prepare bacon-wrapped chicken in advance?

Yes! You can prep the chicken by wrapping it in bacon and seasoning it the day before. Just store it in the fridge and cook it when you’re ready.

Q: Can I grill bacon-wrapped chicken on high heat?

It’s best to cook the chicken on medium heat to prevent the bacon from burning before the chicken is fully cooked. Keep an eye on it and turn it frequently for even grilling.

Q: Can I freeze bacon-wrapped chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared bacon-wrapped chicken before cooking. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then store it in a freezer-safe bag. To cook, simply bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Enjoy your bacon-wrapped chicken adventure!