Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts – Looking for a straightforward meal option? Search no than these delectable Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts. This recipe offers a twist, on the American main course combining the savory bacon goodness with tender chicken. The blend of ingredients including sugar, smoked paprika, and cumin creates an explosion of flavors that will truly tantalize your taste buds.
I can still vividly recall the first time I prepared this dish. It was a chilly evening when I decided to surprise my family with something special. As the inviting aroma of bacon and spices filled our kitchen I couldn’t. Notice the excitement in my husband’s and child’s eyes. The moment they took their bite their smiles spoke volumes about how they enjoyed it. Since then it has become a beloved family favorite that we frequently request due to its hearty flavors.
What makes these Bacon bacon-wrapped chicken Breasts truly stand out?
What makes this recipe truly stand out? Firstly it is incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for those weeknights when time is limited. The combination of spices forms a tantalizing crust on the chicken while the addition of bacon infuses it with a smoky essence. Moreover, its versatility shines through – you can serve it alongside some vegetables on top of rice or, as a scrumptious sandwich filling. Lastly, its ability to please both family members and guests alike makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
What You Need To Make This Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe?
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These chicken breasts take the spotlight in this dish. It’s best to choose ones that are evenly sized for cooking. If they happen to be, on the side you can gently flatten them a bit to ensure wrapping and cooking. Chicken breast is a meat option making this dish a healthier choice.
Bacon (Not Thick Cut): The bacon acts as a wrapping for the chicken infusing it with moisture and imparting a smoky flavor. Opting for cut bacon is recommended since it cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully around the chicken. It’s easier to wrap without overpowering the flavors.
Brown Sugar: Adding a touch of sweetness, with sugar creates a delightful contrast when combined with the savory bacon and spices. As it cooks the brown sugar caramelizes to create a glaze. Gives the dish an appealing color.
Smoked Paprika: The smokiness of this spice complements the flavor of bacon enhancing the taste profile of the dish. Additionally smoked paprika lends a hue that adds visual appeal.
Cumin: With its slightly spicy taste cumin brings depth to the spice blend used in this recipe. It pairs wonderfully with both chicken and bacon while adding a touch of warmth.
Garlic and onion powders: These aromatic ingredients contribute to the foundation of the dish giving it depth and complexity without the moisture that fresh garlic or onion would provide.
Cayenne pepper: Just a hint of this spice adds heat, to the recipe balancing out the sweetness of the sugar and adding a flavor from the paprika. It may be an amount. It truly makes a big difference.
Salt and ground black pepper: Absolutely essential, for seasoning they bring out the natural flavors of both chicken and bacon. The coarse texture of salt ensures a distribution while freshly ground pepper adds a zesty touch.
Fresh thyme or parsley: These herbs bring a burst of freshness and vibrant color to the dish. Thyme offers an earthiness while parsley brings a refreshing taste. Additionally, they create a contrast when sprinkled over the finished creation.
Steps To Make Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts:
Step 1: Start by taking the chicken and bacon out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you begin cooking.
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Step 2: In a bowl combine sugar smoked paprika, cumin, and the other spices.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet, with foil. Place a rack on top of the foil.
Step 4: Pat dry the chicken using paper towels then season it with the spice mixture. Carefully wrap each piece of chicken with bacon giving it a touch of love.
Step 5: Arrange the wrapped chicken pieces on the rack with their seams facing down. Sprinkle them with the remaining spices.
Step 6: Bake for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked to perfection. For crispy bacon broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye, on it!
Tip:
When preparing your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts it’s an idea to cook the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken. This is especially helpful if you prefer your bacon to be a bit crispy. Partially cooking the bacon ensures that it achieves a level of crispiness without overcooking the chicken.
To do this place the bacon slices on a baking sheet. Bake them in an oven at 400°F for around 5 to 7 minutes. The aim is to allow the bacon to release some of its fat and become flexible but not fully cooked. This method also helps reduce grease in your dish by rendering out some of the fat.
Once the bacon has been partially. Cooled down enough to handle wrap it around the chicken breasts and proceed with the recipe as usual. This additional step adds a texture, to your dish ensuring that each bite offers a combination of succulent chicken and crispy bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use thick-cut bacon?
For the best results, it is recommended to use regular bacon to ensure that it cooks evenly and wraps nicely.
How do I store leftovers?
To maintain freshness place the leftovers in a container with an airtight seal and store them in the refrigerator, for, up to three days. When reheating, do so gently to preserve moisture.
What sides go well with this?
You can pair this dish with a salad, some roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. They complement each other perfectly.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 –12 slices bacon not thick-cut
- 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Take the chicken and bacon out of the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before you begin cooking.
- In a bowl combine sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt and black pepper.
- Set your temperature to 400°F. Line a baking sheet, with aluminum foil. Place a metal rack on top.
- Gently pat dry the chicken breasts and then rub each one with a teaspoon of the spice mixture.
- Take 2 to 3 slices of bacon for each chicken breast. Wrap them around placing them seam-side down on the rack.
- If there is any spice mixture leftover after seasoning the chicken breasts sprinkle it over the bacon-wrapped chicken.
- Place it in the oven and cook for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- For those who prefer crispier bacon you can broil it for 1 to 2 minutes. Just keep an eye, on it to prevent burning.
- Enjoy your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
