This Bacon-Wrapped Chicken dish is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The crispy, salty bacon perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
It’s a simple yet indulgent recipe, and the best part is that it can easily be customized with your favorite seasonings or dipping sauces. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this Bacon-Wrapped Chicken will surely impress!
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 slices of bacon
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
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Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, securing the bacon with toothpicks if necessary.
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Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
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Place the wrapped chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bacon starts to brown and crisp.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
History and Origin
While bacon-wrapped chicken has become a widely recognized and popular recipe in many modern kitchens, the concept of wrapping meat in bacon dates back centuries. Bacon, as we know it today, is a product derived from pork, with its origins rooted in various European countries. The practice of using bacon to add flavor, moisture, and texture to other meats has long been a technique used in British, French, and American cooking. Bacon itself dates back to ancient times, with different cultures around the world developing their own methods for curing and preserving pork belly.
The specific pairing of bacon with chicken, however, is a relatively modern culinary marriage. In the United States, bacon-wrapped meats gained prominence in the 20th century as the popularity of bacon surged, especially in the context of modern American comfort foods. This dish is a great example of how creative cooks have combined simple ingredients to elevate the flavor and appeal of everyday meals. It has grown especially popular in the last few decades with the rise of food blogs and cooking shows.
Though the bacon-wrapped chicken recipe is often considered a Western dish, it has found its way into kitchens worldwide, being adapted in various ways according to local tastes and available ingredients. Its widespread popularity can be attributed to its simplicity, indulgent nature, and how easily it can be adapted for different diets and preferences.
Variations and Adaptations
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken is incredibly versatile, and there are numerous variations based on region, personal preference, and even dietary needs. One popular variation is the addition of a savory stuffing inside the chicken breast before wrapping it with bacon. Ingredients such as cheese, spinach, garlic, and mushrooms are often used to create a more complex filling that complements the smoky bacon.
In some regions, the bacon is not just used to wrap the chicken but also marinated with spices or sauces. For example, in the Southern United States, a bit of brown sugar and hot sauce might be added to the bacon to create a sweet and spicy flavor combination. In other parts of the world, such as in Mediterranean cuisine, the chicken might be wrapped with prosciutto or pancetta instead of traditional American bacon for a more delicate flavor profile.
Another variation includes using boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts, which provides a slightly richer taste and a more tender texture. Some cooks may also choose to grill the bacon-wrapped chicken instead of baking it, which imparts a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy bacon.
For those seeking to reduce their caloric intake or follow a low-fat diet, turkey bacon or even a vegetarian bacon alternative can be used. The result is a lighter version of the dish that still retains much of the flavor that makes bacon-wrapped chicken so irresistible.
Nutritional Information
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken is undeniably delicious, but it’s also a fairly indulgent dish. When prepared with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and traditional bacon, each serving provides a healthy dose of protein, while the bacon contributes both fat and sodium.
On average, a serving of bacon-wrapped chicken (one chicken breast wrapped with two slices of bacon) contains roughly 400–450 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is as follows:
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Protein: 30–35 grams
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Fat: 25–30 grams (mostly from the bacon)
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Carbohydrates: 1–2 grams (depending on seasoning and marinades used)
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Sodium: 600–800 milligrams (largely due to the bacon and seasonings)
While the dish is high in protein, it’s also quite high in fat and sodium, which may not be ideal for those on low-sodium or low-fat diets. However, the protein content makes it a great option for those looking to fuel up post-workout or simply enjoy a filling, satisfying meal.
The bacon used in the recipe contributes significant saturated fat, but it also contains vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, selenium, and zinc. Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, niacin, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. To make the meal a little lighter, you could substitute turkey bacon or reduce the amount of bacon used while still maintaining that iconic flavor.
For a more balanced meal, you might consider pairing the bacon-wrapped chicken with a side of vegetables or a salad to help balance out the richness of the dish. Additionally, opting for lean cuts of bacon or using a reduced-fat variety can help make the dish a bit more health-conscious.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a wide range of sides and beverages. Here are a few ideas for serving and pairing this savory dish:
Side Dishes:
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, makes a great accompaniment to bacon-wrapped chicken. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables balances the salty bacon, creating a harmonious plate.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is a classic pairing with chicken, and the addition of roasted garlic adds another layer of flavor to complement the bacon-wrapped chicken.
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Crispy Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
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Grilled Asparagus: The smoky flavor of grilled asparagus perfectly complements the bacon’s savoriness, making it an excellent choice for a side dish.
Drink Pairings:
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White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can complement the richness of the bacon while providing a refreshing contrast.
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Beer: A pale ale or lager is a great match for this dish, as the carbonation and light bitterness of beer pair well with the savory flavors.
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Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of iced tea with a squeeze of lemon can provide a refreshing balance to the salty bacon.
Tips and Tricks for Success
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Use Toothpicks to Secure the Bacon: Bacon has a tendency to unravel during cooking, so using toothpicks to secure the bacon in place helps it stay wrapped around the chicken throughout the cooking process.
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The key to perfect bacon-wrapped chicken is not overcooking the chicken. Make sure to monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, and remove it from the oven when it reaches 165°F (75°C). Overcooking will result in dry chicken, so keep an eye on it!
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Crisp the Bacon First: If you want extra crispy bacon, you can pre-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping it around the chicken. This can help it achieve that perfect crispiness without overcooking the chicken.
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Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have extra time, marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and spices for 30 minutes to an hour will infuse more flavor into the meat.
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Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: Cooking the chicken in an oven-safe skillet helps ensure that it crisps evenly on both sides. Additionally, it allows you to sear the chicken on the stovetop before transferring it to the oven.
Potential Health Benefits
While bacon-wrapped chicken is certainly an indulgent dish, there are some potential health benefits to the ingredients. Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it plays a crucial role in supporting immune function. Additionally, the B vitamins in chicken support metabolism and energy production.
Bacon provides small amounts of zinc, which is important for immune function, as well as selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical damage. While bacon is high in fat and sodium, consuming it in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
To make the dish even healthier, consider pairing it with antioxidant-rich vegetables or using lower-sodium bacon options. Additionally, swapping regular bacon for turkey bacon reduces both the fat and sodium content.
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken is the perfect recipe for those who love rich, savory flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal, a family gathering, or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit. The combination of crispy bacon and juicy chicken is irresistible, and with a few tweaks, you can make it fit a variety of dietary preferences. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy, and with the right sides and pairings, it can be elevated into a complete and memorable meal. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the irresistible flavors of bacon-wrapped chicken—you won’t be disappointed!