Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken: An Easy & Flavorful Recipe!

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Look no further than this Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken recipe! It’s the perfect combination of savory bacon, herbaceous pesto, and juicy chicken. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, and the best part is, it requires minimal effort and ingredients. Get ready to impress with this simple yet sophisticated meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple Ingredients:** This recipe uses readily available ingredients you can easily find in your local grocery store.
* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to table, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavor Packed:** The combination of pesto, bacon, and chicken creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with your favorite sides, from roasted vegetables to pasta or a simple salad.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Even picky eaters will love this bacon-wrapped delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* **Pesto:** 1/2 cup prepared pesto (homemade or store-bought)
* **Bacon:** 12 slices of bacon
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** Toothpicks, balsamic glaze for drizzling

Equipment You’ll Need

* Baking Sheet
* Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
* Mixing Bowl
* Knife
* Cutting Board
* Toothpicks (if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is optional but highly recommended, especially if your baking sheet is prone to sticking.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If they are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures they cook evenly. To do this, place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This also helps tenderize the chicken.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as this is the base flavor of the dish.

Step 2: Add the Pesto

1. In a small bowl, place the prepared pesto. If your pesto is very thick, you can add a teaspoon of olive oil to thin it out slightly for easier spreading.
2. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over each chicken breast. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the chicken, but avoid overdoing it, as too much pesto can make the chicken soggy.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

1. Wrap each chicken breast with 3 slices of bacon. Overlap the bacon slightly to ensure the chicken is fully covered. The bacon will shrink as it cooks, so a good overlap is important.
2. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if necessary. This is particularly helpful if the bacon is not staying in place. Insert the toothpicks at an angle to hold the bacon securely to the chicken. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Drizzle the bacon-wrapped chicken with about a tablespoon of olive oil. This will help the bacon crisp up nicely in the oven.
2. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can prevent the bacon from crisping properly.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Remove any toothpicks before serving.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken

* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Opt for high-quality pesto and bacon for the best flavor. Freshly made pesto will always elevate the dish, but a good store-bought option works well too. Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Crispy Bacon is Key:** Make sure the bacon is crispy before removing the chicken from the oven. If the bacon is not crisp enough after 30 minutes, you can broil it for a minute or two, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
* **Pound the Chicken:** Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different pesto flavors, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are all excellent choices.
* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta with a light sauce or simply drizzled with olive oil.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a light and refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the chicken.
* **Rice:** Serve with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and classic pairing.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.

Variations

* **Stuffed Chicken:** Create a pocket in the chicken breast and stuff it with mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach before adding the pesto and wrapping with bacon.
* **Grilled Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken:** Grill the chicken instead of baking it for a smoky flavor.
* **Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken Skewers:** Cut the chicken into smaller pieces, thread them onto skewers with vegetables, and wrap with bacon.
* **Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken with Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle the cooked chicken with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
* **Spicy Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the bacon may not be as crispy. For best results, reheat in the oven.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup prepared pesto
* 12 slices of bacon
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Toothpicks, balsamic glaze

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto over each chicken breast.
4. Wrap each chicken breast with 3 slices of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Drizzle with olive oil. Place on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and bacon is crispy.
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional).
8. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Enjoy this delicious and easy Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with us!