Oven-Baked Bacon Wrapped Chicken: A Crispy, Juicy Delight
Bacon-wrapped chicken is a classic dish for a reason: it’s incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. The combination of juicy chicken and crispy, savory bacon is simply irresistible. This recipe focuses on oven-baking, a method that allows for even cooking and renders the bacon perfectly without excessive mess. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this bacon-wrapped chicken recipe is sure to be a hit.
## Why Oven-Baked Bacon Wrapped Chicken?
While bacon-wrapped chicken can be cooked in a skillet, on the grill, or even in an air fryer, oven-baking offers several advantages:
* **Even Cooking:** The consistent heat of the oven ensures that the chicken cooks through evenly, while the bacon crisps up nicely.
* **Less Mess:** Baking minimizes splattering and mess compared to stovetop cooking.
* **Hands-Off Approach:** Once the chicken is wrapped and in the oven, you can focus on preparing side dishes or relaxing until it’s done.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil makes cleanup a breeze.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice for this recipe. Aim for breasts that are roughly the same size and thickness for even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
* **Bacon:** Choose your favorite type of bacon – thick-cut, regular, or even flavored bacon will work. However, thick-cut bacon may require a slightly longer cooking time. Avoid very thinly sliced bacon, as it may burn before the chicken is cooked through.
* **Olive Oil (or other cooking oil):** A light coating of oil helps the bacon crisp up and prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Seasonings:** This is where you can get creative! A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a great starting point. You can also add onion powder, dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), or a touch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
* **Optional: Marinade or Sauce:** Marinating the chicken beforehand can add extra flavor and moisture. Consider using a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Alternatively, you can brush the bacon-wrapped chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of baking.
**Detailed Ingredient List:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 1 pound bacon (about 12-16 slices)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* Optional: 1/4 cup marinade (such as Italian dressing or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs)
* Optional: 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
## Equipment
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for lining the baking sheet)
* Small bowl (for mixing seasonings)
* Pastry brush (optional, for brushing with marinade or sauce)
* Meat thermometer
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly oven-baked bacon-wrapped chicken:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. **Pound the Chicken (Optional):** If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will help them cook more evenly.
2. **Marinate (Optional):** If using a marinade, place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
3. **Pat Dry:** Before wrapping with bacon, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help the bacon crisp up better.
**Step 2: Season the Chicken**
1. **Combine Seasonings:** In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (and any other seasonings you’re using).
2. **Season Chicken:** Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Gently rub the seasonings into the chicken.
**Step 3: Wrap with Bacon**
1. **Prepare Bacon:** Lay out the bacon slices on a clean surface.
2. **Wrap Chicken:** Wrap each chicken breast with 3-4 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed, especially if the bacon slices are short or the chicken breasts are large. However, try to avoid using toothpicks if possible, as they can make the bacon cook unevenly.
**Step 4: Bake the Chicken**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3. **Place Chicken on Baking Sheet:** Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each breast.
4. **Brush with Oil:** Lightly brush the bacon-wrapped chicken with olive oil. This will help the bacon crisp up nicely.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the type of bacon you’re using.
6. **Brush with Sauce (Optional):** During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, you can brush the bacon-wrapped chicken with barbecue sauce or another sauce of your choice. This will add extra flavor and a glossy finish.
7. **Check for Doneness:** Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Insert the thermometer into the center of the chicken breast, avoiding the bacon.
**Step 5: Rest and Serve**
1. **Rest:** Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. **Remove Toothpicks (If Used):** If you used toothpicks to secure the bacon, carefully remove them before serving.
3. **Serve:** Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken hot, with your favorite side dishes.
## Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
* **Choose the Right Chicken:** Opt for chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness for even cooking. If they’re very thick, pound them to an even thickness.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Crispy Bacon is Key:** To ensure crispy bacon, pat the chicken dry before wrapping it, and brush the bacon with a little olive oil before baking. You can also broil the chicken for the last minute or two of baking, but watch it carefully to prevent the bacon from burning.
* **Use a Wire Rack (Optional):** Placing the bacon-wrapped chicken on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet allows for better air circulation, which can help the bacon crisp up more evenly.
* **Don’t Crowd the Pan:** Arrange the chicken breasts on the baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between each breast. Crowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, resulting in less crispy bacon.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and sauces to create your own unique bacon-wrapped chicken recipe.
* **Toothpick Alternatives:** If you want to avoid toothpicks, try using kitchen twine to tie the bacon around the chicken. You can also overlap the bacon slices generously to help them stay in place.
## Serving Suggestions
Bacon-wrapped chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all delicious and healthy choices.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to chicken.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the chicken with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with fruits and nuts is a refreshing contrast to the rich bacon.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or roasted corn on the cob is a perfect summer side dish.
* **Mac and Cheese:** For a more indulgent meal, serve the chicken with mac and cheese.
## Variations and Add-Ins
* **Cheese-Stuffed Chicken:** Before wrapping the chicken with bacon, slice a pocket into each breast and stuff it with your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone.
* **Jalapeño Popper Chicken:** Stuff the chicken with cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, and cheddar cheese for a spicy and cheesy twist.
* **Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken:** Sauté mushrooms and spinach with garlic and onions, then stuff the mixture into the chicken breasts.
* **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers:** Cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces and wrap each piece with bacon. Thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto skewers with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Grill or bake the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
* **Honey Garlic Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken:** Brush the bacon-wrapped chicken with a honey garlic glaze during the last few minutes of baking.
* **Maple Bacon-Wrapped Chicken:** Use maple-flavored bacon for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Leftover bacon-wrapped chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but the bacon may not be as crispy.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
## Conclusion
Oven-baked bacon-wrapped chicken is a simple, satisfying, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that’s sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this crispy, juicy delight!
## FAQs
**Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before wrapping them with bacon. Pat them dry thoroughly after thawing to ensure the bacon crisps up properly.
**Q: Can I use turkey bacon?**
A: Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for pork bacon. However, turkey bacon may not get as crispy as pork bacon, so you may need to increase the cooking time slightly or broil it for the last minute or two.
**Q: How can I prevent the bacon from shrinking too much?**
A: Choose bacon that isn’t overly lean, as leaner bacon tends to shrink more during cooking. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken, as this can cause the bacon to shrink and become dry.
**Q: Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet?**
A: Yes, you can roast vegetables alongside the chicken. Add hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet about 20 minutes before adding the chicken. Add quicker-cooking vegetables like broccoli or asparagus during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
**Q: What if the bacon is getting too dark before the chicken is cooked through?**
A: Tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent the bacon from burning. This will allow the chicken to continue cooking without the bacon getting too dark.