Perfectly Juicy & Crispy Baked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts: An Easy Weeknight Dinner
Prepare for a culinary delight that will revolutionize your dinner table: perfectly juicy baked chicken breasts encased in a savory, tender-crisp blanket of bacon. This bacon-wrapped chicken recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. It’s an effortless yet elegant main course that promises to impress with its rich flavors and irresistible textures. The smoky bacon renders beautifully, basting the chicken as it cooks, locking in moisture, and developing a glorious golden crust that’s utterly delectable. This recipe truly speaks for itself, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas are the most brilliant.
Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Winner
This bacon-wrapped chicken breasts recipe is a masterpiece of flavor and simplicity, coming together with just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Seriously, what dish isn’t elevated by the addition of crispy, savory bacon? In this recipe, bacon does more than just add flavor; it acts as a protective layer, ensuring the chicken breasts remain incredibly moist and tender throughout the baking process. As the bacon crisps, its rendered fat infuses the chicken with an unparalleled depth of smoky, savory goodness.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. We introduce a touch of brown sugar into our seasoning blend, which caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a subtly sweet and savory crust that perfectly complements the rich bacon and succulent chicken. This combination of sweet and smoky, savory and juicy, transforms an ordinary chicken breast into an extraordinary culinary experience.
We are constantly seeking creative ways to transform regular chicken breasts into something special. Whether it’s stuffing them with colorful peppers, onions, and croutons in our stuffed chicken breast recipe, or pan-searing them to perfection in a luscious cream sauce for our popular marry me chicken, we love to innovate. Today, however, we’re letting the undeniable power of bacon take center stage. Along with a simple yet effective blend of seasonings and that crucial hint of brown sugar, bacon performs all the heavy lifting, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. This recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most impressive meals are born from the simplest of concepts.
Key Ingredients for Success
Crafting this phenomenal bacon-wrapped chicken only requires a few accessible ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The secret to its incredible flavor lies in the careful selection and combination of these components. For a complete list of all measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card available at the conclusion of this post. Rest assured, each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role and how to best prepare it is key to culinary success. Here’s a deeper dive into the components of our bacon-wrapped chicken:
CHICKEN – For consistently cooked and incredibly juicy chicken breasts, proper preparation is essential. It’s crucial to trim the chicken breasts so that they are an even thickness throughout. This ensures that all parts of the chicken cook at the same rate, preventing one end from drying out while the other is still cooking. Our trusted Chef Antoine highly recommends trimming the chicken as opposed to pounding it. Pounding tends to flatten and widen the filet, which can make it more challenging to wrap tightly with bacon and may alter its shape too much. Trimming, on the other hand, allows you to maintain the breast’s natural form while achieving a uniform thickness. For instance, our initial chicken weighed 2.25 pounds before trimming and was reduced to a lean 1.3 pounds after trimming, showcasing the significant difference this step makes. Don’t discard the trimmed pieces! They are perfect for making other delicious dishes, such as our flavorful Garlic Chicken.
BACON – The star of the show! For this recipe, we specifically used center-cut bacon. It’s imperative that you use regular-cut bacon and not thick-cut bacon. This distinction is vital because thick-cut bacon requires a longer cooking time to achieve crispiness. If you use thick-cut bacon, you risk overcooking the chicken breasts long before the bacon has a chance to crisp up to perfection. Regular-cut bacon will render its fat and become beautifully crispy within the ideal cooking window for juicy chicken, ensuring both components are perfectly cooked. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using smoked bacon for an even deeper, more intense smoky flavor, or try a maple-flavored bacon for a hint of sweetness that enhances the brown sugar caramelization.
SEASONINGS – Our simple yet powerful seasoning blend consists of garlic salt, onion powder, brown sugar, and paprika. Each ingredient contributes significantly to the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic Salt: Provides a foundational savory flavor and the necessary saltiness that penetrates the chicken.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth that complements the garlic without overpowering it.
- Brown Sugar: This is where the magic happens! The brown sugar helps to create a beautiful caramelized crust on the bacon as it bakes, adding a wonderful sweet and savory contrast.
- Paprika: Contributes a vibrant color and a mild, slightly smoky flavor, especially if you opt for smoked paprika.
Feel free to experiment with this blend. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a little kick, while dried herbs like thyme or oregano can introduce an earthy aroma. However, the current blend is perfectly balanced for a universally loved flavor profile.
How to Master Bacon Wrapped Chicken
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize and easily recreate this delicious recipe. For the printable version, complete with precise measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lining the baking sheet with foil is a crucial step for easy cleanup, as the bacon will release grease during cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic salt, onion powder, brown sugar, and paprika. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This blend will create the perfect sweet and savory crust.
- Generously season both sides of each trimmed chicken breast with the prepared seasoning mix. Ensure an even coating on all surfaces. You won’t necessarily use all the seasoning mix; simply use enough to thoroughly coat the chicken.
- Carefully lay a slice of regular-cut bacon vertically across one chicken breast. Gently stretch the bacon strip slightly so that there is enough excess on both ends to tuck securely underneath the breast. Follow with a second and then a third bacon strip, overlapping each slightly to ensure the entire chicken breast is enveloped. This tight wrap will help the bacon crisp evenly and hold its shape. Repeat this wrapping process for the remaining three chicken breasts.
- Once all chicken breasts are wrapped, sprinkle a bit more of the seasoning mix directly over the top of the bacon-wrapped chicken. This final touch will enhance the flavor and contribute to a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Arrange the prepared bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on your foil-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking and crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your oven’s calibration. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
To maintain freshness and flavor, store any leftover bacon-wrapped chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to help the bacon re-crisp.
Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use an instant-read thermometer, inserting it into the thickest portion of the meat, avoiding any bone, to accurately gauge the temperature. This is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is both safe and perfectly juicy, preventing overcooking.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and often stay even juicier due to their higher fat content. The cooking time might need a slight adjustment; thighs typically cook a bit quicker than breasts, so monitor the internal temperature closely, still aiming for 165°F (74°C).
Several factors contribute to crispy bacon. Firstly, ensure you’re using regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut, as explained above. Secondly, pat the chicken breasts and bacon dry with paper towels before seasoning and wrapping; excess moisture can steam the bacon rather than crisp it. Finally, ensure the oven is fully preheated and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If your bacon isn’t quite crispy enough at the end of the cooking time, you can briefly place the chicken under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.
Yes, you can! You can season and wrap the chicken breasts with bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
Dry chicken is almost always a sign of overcooking. This is why using an instant-read thermometer is so important. Make sure your chicken breasts are trimmed to an even thickness, so they cook uniformly. Once the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven immediately and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.
After removing your beautifully baked bacon-wrapped chicken from the oven, resist the urge to cut into it immediately. Letting the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board or platter allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This crucial step results in an even more tender and succulent chicken breast. Cutting too soon will cause the juices to run out, leading to a drier result.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
Bacon-wrapped chicken is a versatile main course that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a comforting and classic meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes. Complement the rich flavors with a vibrant green vegetable like steamed broccoli, garlic butter green beans, or honey-glazed carrots. For a lighter option, a simple dinner salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. Other excellent choices include fluffy rice pilaf, quinoa, or even a side of roasted asparagus spears drizzled with balsamic glaze. Don’t hesitate to add a dollop of honey mustard or a tangy BBQ sauce on the side for an extra layer of flavor!
More Irresistible Bacon-Inspired Recipes
If you love the magic that bacon brings to a dish, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic recipes where bacon plays a starring role, from appetizers to hearty mains:
- Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
- Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
- Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Carrots
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
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Bacon Wrapped Chicken
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts trimmed to an even thickness
- 12 slices center cut bacon
- ½ Tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Things You’ll Need
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Baking sheet
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- Trim the chicken breasts so that they are an even thickness. Chef Antoine suggests trimming as opposed to pounding the chicken because pounding will cause the filet to become wider.
- Our chicken weighed 2.25 pounds before trimming, and weighed 1.3 pounds after trimming.
- We used center cut bacon. I highly suggest using regular bacon, not thick-cut for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook in the oven and may not become crispy without overcooking the chicken.
- Chicken is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F on an instant read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the meat to accurately gauge the temperature.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
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In a small bowl, combine garlic salt, onion powder, brown sugar, and paprika.
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Season both sides of each chicken breast with the seasoning mix. You will not use all the seasoning mix.
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Lay a slice of bacon vertically across the chicken breast, stretching the bacon strip slightly so there’s enough excess to tuck under the breast. Overlap a second and third bacon strip. Repeat for the other three breasts.
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Sprinkle more seasoning mix over the top of the bacon wrapped chicken.
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Place prepared chicken breasts on the foil lined baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of your breasts.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.