Easy and Delicious: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipes You’ll Love
Bacon-wrapped chicken breast is a culinary classic for a reason. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. The combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at a party. This article will guide you through various easy and delicious bacon-wrapped chicken breast recipes, providing detailed steps, instructions, and variations to suit your taste.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why bacon-wrapped chicken breast is such a popular choice:
* **Flavor:** The salty, smoky flavor of bacon complements the mild taste of chicken perfectly. As the bacon cooks, its fat renders and bastes the chicken, keeping it moist and adding richness.
* **Texture:** The crispy bacon provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
* **Ease of Preparation:** It requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatility:** It can be customized with various seasonings, sauces, and fillings to create countless variations.
* **Visual Appeal:** The presentation is attractive, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Essential Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
Before we get to the recipes, here are some essential tips to ensure your bacon-wrapped chicken breast turns out perfectly every time:
* **Choose the Right Chicken Breast:** Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are of uniform thickness. This will ensure even cooking. If the breasts are uneven, you can pound them with a meat mallet to flatten them.
* **Use Quality Bacon:** Select bacon with a good balance of fat and lean meat. Thick-cut bacon is a great option as it holds its shape well during cooking. Consider different bacon flavors like applewood smoked or peppered for added depth.
* **Secure the Bacon:** Use toothpicks to secure the bacon tightly around the chicken breast. This will prevent it from unraveling during cooking. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Chicken breast can become dry and tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Rest the Chicken:** Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Recipe 1: Classic Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
This is a simple and foolproof recipe that highlights the classic combination of chicken and bacon.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on thickness)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* Toothpicks
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the chicken brown properly.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
3. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks.
4. **Bake:** Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
5. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
**Variations:**
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken before wrapping it in bacon.
* **Use Different Seasonings:** Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as onion powder, Italian seasoning, or chili powder.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes before wrapping them in bacon.
Recipe 2: Cream Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
This recipe takes bacon-wrapped chicken to the next level by adding a creamy and spicy filling.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on thickness)
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Toothpicks
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Carefully slice a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. **Make the Filling:** In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced jalapeños, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3. **Stuff the Chicken:** Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, dividing it evenly.
4. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks.
5. **Bake:** Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
6. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving. Serve with your favorite sides.
**Variations:**
* **Add Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Gruyere, or feta.
* **Use Different Peppers:** Replace the jalapeños with other peppers, such as poblano or serrano, depending on your spice preference.
* **Add Spinach:** Sauté some spinach and add it to the cream cheese filling for added nutrients and flavor.
Recipe 3: BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
This recipe adds a smoky and tangy BBQ flavor to the classic bacon-wrapped chicken.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on thickness)
* ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* Toothpicks
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
3. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks.
4. **Bake:** Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. **Add BBQ Sauce:** Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
6. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side, along with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
**Variations:**
* **Use a Dry Rub:** Instead of olive oil and spices, use a dry rub for the chicken. A good dry rub might include brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
* **Add Pineapple:** Place a slice of pineapple on top of each chicken breast before wrapping it in bacon for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for a kick of heat.
Recipe 4: Honey Mustard Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
This recipe offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile with a delicious honey mustard glaze.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on thickness)
* ¼ cup honey
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* Toothpicks
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
3. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks.
4. **Make the Honey Mustard Glaze:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard.
5. **Bake:** Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes.
6. **Glaze and Bake:** Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the honey mustard glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
7. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a salad.
**Variations:**
* **Add Lemon Juice:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the honey mustard glaze for added brightness.
* **Use Different Mustards:** Experiment with different types of mustard, such as whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard.
* **Add Herbs:** Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, over the chicken before glazing.
Recipe 5: Pesto and Provolone Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
This recipe features a delicious Italian-inspired filling of pesto and provolone cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on thickness)
* ¼ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 4 slices provolone cheese
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Toothpicks
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Carefully slice a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. **Stuff the Chicken:** Spread pesto evenly inside each chicken breast pocket. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the pesto.
3. **Season the Chicken:** In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the outside of the chicken breasts with the mixture.
4. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks.
5. **Bake:** Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
6. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving. Serve with pasta, a salad, or roasted vegetables.
**Variations:**
* **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto filling for added flavor and texture.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different Italian cheeses, such as mozzarella, fontina, or parmesan.
* **Add Pine Nuts:** Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top of the pesto filling for added crunch.
Recipe 6: Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
This recipe offers a quicker and healthier way to cook bacon-wrapped chicken using an air fryer.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on thickness)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* Toothpicks
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
3. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks.
4. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. You may need to flip the chicken breasts halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
5. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving. Serve with your favorite sides.
**Variations:**
* **Use Different Seasonings:** Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as onion powder, Italian seasoning, or chili powder.
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken before wrapping it in bacon.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes before wrapping them in bacon.
Recipe 7: Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
This recipe is perfect for a hands-off approach, allowing the slow cooker to do the work.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on thickness)
* 1 cup BBQ sauce or your favorite sauce
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* Toothpicks
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
3. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks.
4. **Slow Cook:** Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. **Serve:** Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, remove the toothpicks, and serve with your favorite sides.
**Variations:**
* **Add Vegetables:** Add chopped onions, bell peppers, or other vegetables to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Use Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, honey garlic sauce, or a creamy tomato sauce.
* **Add Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed beans to the slow cooker for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions for Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
Bacon-wrapped chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes are all excellent choices.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Classic mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or sweet potato mash.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad, Caesar salad, or a more elaborate salad with fruits and nuts.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A summer favorite that pairs perfectly with BBQ-flavored bacon-wrapped chicken.
* **Baked Beans:** A classic side dish for BBQ and other grilled meats.
* **Pasta:** Mac and cheese, pasta salad, or a simple pasta with marinara sauce.
Tips for Making Ahead and Storing Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
* **Storage:** Cooked bacon-wrapped chicken breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.
* **Freezing:** Cooked bacon-wrapped chicken breast can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Bacon-wrapped chicken breast is a delicious and easy dish that is sure to impress. With these recipes and tips, you can create a variety of flavorful and satisfying meals for any occasion. Whether you prefer a classic preparation or something more adventurous, there’s a bacon-wrapped chicken breast recipe for everyone. So, get in the kitchen and start experimenting! Enjoy!