It’s 6pm and you need a win. This easy bacon wrapped chicken is your new secret weapon. It delivers a perfectly juicy dinner every single time. Your family will think you spent hours cooking.
There is something so cozy about this meal. The smoky bacon smells amazing as it bakes. It is the perfect way to end a busy day. Let’s get cooking together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy fall weeknights. It uses pantry staples you already have on hand. The bacon keeps the chicken incredibly tender and moist. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
You only need 15 minutes of prep time. It is budget-friendly and fills up the whole family. This dish feels fancy but stays very simple. It is a true weeknight hero.
Simple Method
Making this dish is surprisingly simple and fun. You just season the chicken and wrap it tight. The oven does all the hard work for you. Even beginner cooks can master this quickly. You will love how easy the cleanup is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 to 12 slices thin-cut bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Mix the garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly.
- Wrap each chicken breast tightly with bacon slices.
- Tuck the ends underneath or use toothpicks.
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the tops evenly with brown sugar.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Broil for 2 minutes for extra crispy bacon.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this chicken warm while the bacon is crisp. It pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Set the table and enjoy a satisfying family meal tonight.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This helps the bacon stay crispy and delicious. You can also slice leftovers for a great lunch.
Recipe Tips
- Use thin-cut bacon for the best crunch.
- Don’t skip the 5-minute resting period.
- Tuck bacon ends underneath to prevent unraveling.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect results.
- Double the batch for easy meal prep.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Line your pan well for easy cleanup.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup.
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Brush with BBQ sauce during the last minutes.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work great. They stay very juicy. Just adjust the cook time slightly.
How do I keep bacon from falling off?
Wrap the slices quite tightly. Use wooden toothpicks if needed. Always tuck the ends underneath the chicken.
I hope this cozy bacon wrapped chicken brightens your fall evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 to 12 slices thin-cut bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with the prepared spice rub.
- Wrap each chicken breast tightly with 2 to 3 slices of bacon, ensuring the ends are tucked underneath or secured with toothpicks.
- Place the wrapped chicken breasts on the baking sheet and sprinkle the tops evenly with brown sugar.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) on a meat thermometer.
- Optional: Switch the oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of cooking to further crisp the bacon.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.
