Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Recipe: A Juicy and Flavorful Dinner Idea

I love finding new ways to jazz up chicken, and wrapping it in bacon is a surefire method to create a deliciously hearty meal. The combination of succulent chicken breasts with the rich and smoky flavor of bacon makes for a palatable dish that is both simple to prepare and visually impressive on the plate. This recipe is a personal favorite because it delivers a juicy and flavorful chicken with the added texture and taste of perfectly crisped bacon.

My approach to bacon-wrapped chicken is about keeping it straightforward while ensuring maximum flavor. I typically start with quality chicken breasts which I season well before wrapping them snugly in bacon slices. The key is to secure the bacon so it renders slowly while the chicken cooks to the perfect internal temperature. Plus, there’s room to get creative with additional glazes or seasonings, such as a brush of maple syrup or a sprinkle of a custom spice blend, to give the dish an extra touch of uniqueness.

Ingredients and Equipment

For this bacon-wrapped chicken recipe, I’ll focus on precision and efficiency. Using the right ingredients and tools is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture.

Required Ingredients

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Bacon: 8-12 slices of bacon, enough to wrap each breast
• Seasoning:
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Maple syrup, cream cheese, butter, or a spice blend for additional flavor

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Baking sheet: To cook the chicken on
• Foil or baking paper: For lining the baking sheet to catch drips and make cleanup easier
• Oven-safe rack: To place on top of the baking sheet; it allows heat to circulate for even cooking
• Meat thermometer: Essential for ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
• Tongs or fork: Useful for handling the chicken when dredging in spices or wrapping in bacon

Preparation Steps

In preparing bacon-wrapped chicken, the steps are straightforward but crucial for achieving the perfect balance of juicy chicken and crispy bacon.

Wrapping the Chicken

Firstly, I ensure the chicken breasts are fully thawed and patted dry to help the bacon adhere better. I then lay strips of bacon flat on a surface and place a chicken breast at one end, wrapping the bacon snugly around without overlapping too much; this ensures even cooking. The bacon’s end should be tucked underneath the chicken or secured with a toothpick to prevent it from unraveling during the cooking process.

Seasoning

For flavor, I often use a simple spice blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. After the chicken is wrapped in bacon, I dredge each piece in the spice mixture ensuring all sides are coated evenly. I use my hands for this step to really press the seasonings onto the bacon and chicken, which maximizes flavor.

Cooking Process

To cook, I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack over a baking sheet. This setup allows the heat to circulate effectively around the bacon, making it crispy on all sides. The chicken is then baked for approximately 18-20 minutes, and I use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety. If the bacon isn’t as crispy as I’d like, I switch the oven to broil and watch closely for 1-2 minutes until it’s perfectly golden and crispy.