Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Chicken is the perfect marriage of juicy chicken and crispy, caramelized bacon. This dish is both simple to make and guaranteed to impress at the dinner table, combining a light seasoning with a dusting of brown sugar to give the bacon a sweet, glossy finish.

Serve this delectable dish on a bed of mashed potatoes to soak up the extra pan juices. Whether you’re hosting a casual family meal or a special occasion, this recipe will win over everyone with its irresistible flavor and minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

• 4 large chicken thigh fillets (about 5oz / 150g each), cut in half
• 8 pieces of streaky bacon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, can sub with more paprika)
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp olive oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F (fan-forced). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Mix the garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, flour, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make the seasoning.
3. Coat the chicken fillets in the seasoning mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Place each piece of chicken at the end of a strip of bacon, then roll the bacon around the chicken, finishing with the seam side down.
5. Coat the bacon-wrapped chicken in brown sugar, using your fingers to rub it on if needed.
6. Arrange the chicken on the prepared tray, drizzle with olive oil if desired, and bake for 25 minutes.
7. If you want the bacon to be more golden, switch on the broiler for a few minutes.
8. Brush the juices from the tray over the bacon to make it glossy and juicy before serving.
9. Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken on mashed potatoes, and drizzle with extra pan juices if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 593 kcal | Servings: 4

The Ultimate Guide to Bacon Wrapped Chicken: A Flavorful Feast

Bacon Wrapped Chicken is one of those dishes that, once you’ve tried it, becomes an instant favorite. It’s a showstopper, combining juicy chicken with crispy, caramelized bacon—a duo that’s bound to please almost anyone. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking for a relatively easy yet crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe offers a fantastic combination of flavors and textures.

In this detailed exploration, we’ll dive into the various aspects of Bacon Wrapped Chicken, from its origins to cooking techniques, and explore why this dish has become a beloved part of modern home cooking. We’ll also provide tips on variations and ways to elevate the dish to suit your taste, dietary preferences, and serving style.

A Simple Yet Decadent Dish

At its core, Bacon Wrapped Chicken is a straightforward dish. Chicken fillets—either thighs or breasts—are seasoned, wrapped in bacon, and baked until the bacon turns golden and crispy. What elevates this dish, however, is the magic that happens in the oven. As the bacon cooks, it releases fat that bastes the chicken, keeping it juicy and infusing the meat with its smoky, savory flavor. Add a dusting of brown sugar to the bacon, and you’ve got a dish that’s not only crispy but also caramelized to perfection.

The contrast of textures is another major selling point. The bacon becomes wonderfully crisp on the outside while the chicken remains tender and juicy inside. It’s a balance that’s difficult to beat, offering an indulgent experience with every bite. And while it may sound rich, the dish can be surprisingly versatile depending on how you serve it.

Why Bacon and Chicken Are a Match Made in Heaven

Bacon has long been considered a magic ingredient in the culinary world, largely because of its ability to elevate other flavors. It’s salty, savory, and often a little smoky, making it the perfect counterpoint to the relatively mild taste of chicken. Wrapping chicken in bacon ensures that the chicken remains moist throughout the cooking process, as the bacon fat renders out, acting as a self-basting mechanism.

Additionally, the use of brown sugar in the recipe adds a subtle sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of the bacon. When it’s baked in the oven, the sugar caramelizes, creating a glaze-like effect on the bacon. This interplay between salty, sweet, and smoky flavors makes Bacon Wrapped Chicken truly irresistible.

A Dish for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Bacon Wrapped Chicken is its versatility. It’s fancy enough to serve at a dinner party, yet simple enough to prepare for a weeknight meal. The preparation time is minimal, and the oven does most of the work. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family gathering, a holiday meal, or even a date night, it has a way of impressing with its elegant yet comforting appeal.

Serve this dish over a bed of mashed potatoes or alongside a light salad to create a well-rounded meal. The richness of the bacon pairs particularly well with creamy or starchy sides, as these help balance out the flavors. For a healthier twist, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad. The beauty of Bacon Wrapped Chicken lies in its adaptability—no matter how you serve it, the dish always delivers.

Customizing Bacon Wrapped Chicken

While the classic recipe calls for chicken thighs wrapped in streaky bacon, there are numerous ways to customize this dish to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: While the recipe traditionally uses chicken thighs for their juiciness, chicken breasts are also an excellent option, especially for those who prefer leaner cuts of meat. Just be mindful that chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so wrapping them tightly in bacon is essential to retain moisture.
• Different Seasonings: The basic seasoning mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper can be modified to suit your tastes. Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy note, or try a dash of chili powder for an extra kick of heat.
• Cheese Stuffing: To take this dish to the next level, you can stuff the chicken fillets with cheese before wrapping them in bacon. Cream cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar work beautifully, melting inside the chicken and adding an extra layer of richness.
• Prosciutto Substitute: If you want a more refined flavor, prosciutto can be used in place of bacon. Prosciutto is less fatty than bacon, which gives the dish a slightly different texture, but the salty, savory notes remain intact.
• Sauces and Glazes: While the brown sugar glaze created during baking is delicious on its own, you can experiment with other glazes. A maple syrup glaze, for example, adds a deeper sweetness, while a balsamic reduction offers a tangy, sophisticated finish. For a more savory option, try drizzling some honey mustard over the bacon-wrapped chicken before serving.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken and Dietary Considerations

While Bacon Wrapped Chicken may not be the first dish that comes to mind when you think of “healthy” meals, there are ways to adapt it for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Low-Carb and Keto: This dish is inherently low-carb, making it a great option for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets. To keep it keto-friendly, simply serve it with low-carb sides like roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a leafy green salad.
• Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the seasonings you use are free from gluten-containing additives. Double-check your bacon and brown sugar as well, just to be sure.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is dairy-free by default, but if you choose to add cheese to the stuffing, you can easily substitute it with dairy-free alternatives. Look for plant-based cheeses that melt well, such as almond-based or soy-based varieties.

Pairing Suggestions: Drinks and Side Dishes

When it comes to pairing Bacon Wrapped Chicken with drinks and sides, the possibilities are endless. The smoky, savory nature of the dish pairs well with a range of beverages:

• Wine Pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well with the dish, cutting through the richness of the bacon. If you prefer red wine, opt for a lighter red like Pinot Noir, which complements the smoky notes of the bacon without overwhelming the palate.
• Beer Pairings: Bacon and beer are a natural match. A light lager or pilsner provides a refreshing contrast, while a richer stout or porter complements the deep flavors of the bacon and caramelized sugar.

For sides, consider serving Bacon Wrapped Chicken with:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect neutral base to absorb the delicious pan juices from the chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes bring a balance of sweetness and earthiness that pairs well with the richness of the dish.
• Salads: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the heaviness of the bacon and chicken, offering a palate-cleansing contrast.

Conclusion: Why Bacon Wrapped Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Repertoire

Bacon Wrapped Chicken is much more than the sum of its parts. It’s an indulgent yet simple dish that can be adapted to suit any occasion, whether you’re preparing a family meal or a dinner party showstopper. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and caramelized brown sugar creates a harmony of flavors that’s both satisfying and utterly delicious.

Moreover, the versatility of the recipe allows you to get creative with seasonings, stuffing, and serving options, ensuring that you can enjoy it in different ways depending on your mood or dietary preferences. And with minimal prep time and a quick bake in the oven, it’s the perfect go-to meal when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.