Bacon wrapped chicken is one of those irresistible recipes that brings together the best of both worlds: tender, juicy chicken and smoky, crispy bacon. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a satisfying dinner, or even an impressive party dish, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The contrast between the soft, moist chicken and the crunchy, savory bacon creates a perfect bite every time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Perfect Flavor Combination – The salty, smoky richness of bacon balances beautifully with the mild, juicy chicken.
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Easy to Make – Just wrap and bake! No fancy tools or techniques required.
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Customizable – Change the seasoning or add stuffing for a twist on the classic.
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Crowd-Pleaser – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients List
To make classic bacon wrapped chicken, you will need the following:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more richness)
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8 slices of thick-cut bacon (or more, depending on size)
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2 tablespoons 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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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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Optional: ¼ cup brown sugar for caramelized bacon exterior
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Optional: toothpicks to secure the bacon
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
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Total Time: 45–50 minutes
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Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken pieces to ensure even flavor.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon, overlapping slightly to ensure full coverage. If needed, secure the ends with toothpicks so the bacon stays in place during baking.
Step 4: Optional Brown Sugar Coating
For extra flavor and a slightly sweet, sticky finish, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top of the wrapped chicken before baking.
Step 5: Bake
Place the bacon wrapped chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
Step 6: Broil for Crispiness
If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove any toothpicks before plating.
Tips for Success
Use Uniform Chicken Pieces
Try to use chicken breasts or thighs that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
Don’t Overcook
Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C).
Use a Rack
Place a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow the bacon to crisp up more evenly.
Sweet and Savory Glaze
For an extra punch, brush the chicken with a honey-mustard glaze or BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Flavor Variations
Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Add a slice of mozzarella, cheddar, or cream cheese inside the chicken before wrapping for a creamy surprise.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or brush the chicken with hot sauce before wrapping it in bacon.
BBQ Bacon Chicken
Swap the seasonings for your favorite BBQ rub and brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of baking.
Air Fryer Method
To cook bacon wrapped chicken in the air fryer:
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Place wrapped chicken in the basket in a single layer.
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Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the bacon is crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon wrapped chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:
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Mashed potatoes
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Roasted vegetables
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Garlic green beans
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Coleslaw
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Cornbread
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Caesar salad
How to Store and Reheat
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Wrap individual pieces in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. To re-crisp the bacon, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep bacon wrapped chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge, uncooked, for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
How do I keep the bacon from falling off?
Use toothpicks to secure the bacon, or wrap it tightly and place the seam side down on the baking tray.
Can I grill bacon wrapped chicken?
Yes, grill over indirect heat with the lid closed until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crisp. Flip occasionally to avoid burning.
What type of bacon should I use?
Thick-cut bacon holds up better during baking, but regular bacon works fine if that’s what you have.
Is it possible to make this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. Skip the brown sugar and make sure your seasoning mix is low-carb.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw the chicken completely before wrapping and baking. Using frozen chicken directly may cause uneven cooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used:
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Calories: 410
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Protein: 36g
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Fat: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 2g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 1g
Conclusion
Bacon wrapped chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with bold flavors, easy prep, and countless variations to fit your taste. It’s the perfect dish when you want something simple yet impressive, whether you’re serving it for dinner, a gathering, or meal prep. Once you try this recipe, you’ll likely add it to your regular rotation—and maybe even put your own creative twist on it.