Craving a crowd-pleasing main that is crispy, savory, and simple to make? Bacon Wrapped Chicken is one of the most searched weeknight recipes, and for good reason, the bacon keeps chicken moist while adding rich flavor. If you want more high protein chicken ideas to pair with this entrée, check out 5 high-protein chicken recipes you need to try.
This guide is lean, practical, and tuned for Facebook and Pinterest readers who want fast wins in the kitchen. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare, cook, and adapt Bacon Wrapped Chicken to suit diets, schedules, and taste buds.
What Is Bacon Wrapped Chicken?
Bacon Wrapped Chicken means chicken pieces, often breasts or thighs, wrapped in bacon and baked, grilled, or pan-seared so the bacon crisps and the chicken stays juicy. It is a staple in North American comfort cooking, combining lean protein with savory fat for big flavor.
This method works with boneless chicken breasts, boneless thighs, or tenders. The bacon creates a barrier that slows moisture loss, which improves texture and mouthfeel, and the result is attractive on Pinterest-friendly photos.
- Quick Facts about Bacon Wrapped Chicken
- Serving size, 1 piece (approx. 150 g)
- Calories, ~350-420 kcal per serving depending on bacon
- Protein, 25-35 g per serving
- Cook time, 25-30 min (baking)
- Popular additions, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika
Chef tip: Use thin bacon for even crisping in 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts Approximately 170 g each
- 8 slices thin bacon Use thin bacon for better crisping
- 1-2 tbsp barbecue sauce Per piece
- 1 tsp smoked paprika For sprinkling over chicken
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
- Place the wrapped chicken in a baking dish in a single layer, 2 cm apart for airflow.
Cooking
- Brush the barbecue sauce over the bacon-wrapped chicken and sprinkle with smoked paprika.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve hot, resting for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and plating.
Notes
Nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions
This step-by-step method focuses on a reliable oven-baked approach, ideal for busy evenings and consistent results.
Each numbered step below includes the expected result, so you can confirm doneness and appearance as you cook.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Action: Heat oven to temperature.
- Expected result: Rack at center, hot oven ready for even cooking.
Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon.
- Action: Tightly wrap bacon around each 170 g chicken breast, securing with toothpicks if needed.
- Expected result: Bacon covers the surface, seams tucked under.
Place the wrapped chicken in a baking dish.
- Action: Arrange pieces in a single layer, 2 cm apart for airflow.
- Expected result: Even browning, no overlapping.
Brush the barbecue sauce over the bacon-wrapped chicken and sprinkle with paprika.
- Action: Lightly coat with 1-2 tbsp sauce per piece and 1 tsp smoked paprika total.
- Expected result: Glossy finish, smoky-sweet flavor as it caramelizes.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Action: Bake, then check internal temperature with thermometer.
- Expected result: Internal temperature 74°C (165°F), bacon crisped.
Serve hot.
- Action: Rest 5 minutes, remove toothpicks, plate.
- Expected result: Juicy interior, crisp exterior, ready to enjoy.
Variations & Substitutes
Adapt Bacon Wrapped Chicken for dietary needs, regional tastes, or quicker cook methods. Small swaps can change flavor, cook time, and nutrition noticeably.
Below are practical variations with the effect on flavor and timing so you can choose a version that suits your family.
- Turkey bacon swap, lower fat, less crisp, reduce cook time by 2-3 min
- Glazed with maple syrup, sweeter, adds 1 g sugar per tsp, caramelizes faster
- Use boneless thighs, richer flavor, 20-25 min cook time, higher fat content
- Air-fryer method, 190°C for 18-22 min, faster crisping, need to turn once
Explore chicken enchilada ideas for sidedishes that pair well with this recipe.
Mistakes to Avoid
New cooks often overcook or use thick-cut bacon that does not crisp. Avoid these common traps by following the checklist below and using a thermometer.
Fixes are included so you can correct issues mid-cook and still serve an excellent dish.
- Undercooked chicken, fix: check internal temp, continue baking at 180°C in 5 min increments
- Soggy bacon, fix: use thin bacon or finish under broiler for 1-2 min, watch closely
- Overcrowding pan, fix: space pieces 2 cm, or use two pans for airflow
- Not resting, fix: rest 5 minutes to keep juices inside
- Too much sauce early, fix: add sauce in last 5-7 min to avoid burning
If you enjoy creamy chicken dishes, try a white chicken chili to alternate textures.
Storage, Reuse
Leftovers store well and can be repurposed into salads, sandwiches, or chopped into pasta. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container.
Proper storage keeps quality and safety high. Reheating should reach 74°C (165°F) internal temperature before serving.
- Refrigerator, 3-4 days in airtight container, 4°C recommended
- Freezer, up to 2 months wrapped tightly, thaw in fridge 24 hours before reheating
- Reheat, 175°C oven for 10-12 min, or microwave until 74°C (165°F)
Try blackened chicken alfredo as a creamy alternate that uses cooked chicken pieces.
Related Recipes / See Also
Want ideas that complement or repurpose Bacon Wrapped Chicken? These easyumrecipes pages are tested and well-loved by readers.
- High-protein blackened chicken alfredo sauce, creamy and filling
- More high-protein chicken recipes, for weekly meal planning
- Creamy white chicken chili, great for colder months
Conclusion
Bacon Wrapped Chicken is fast, adaptable, and visually appealing for Pinterest and Facebook shares, making it a reliable weeknight winner. Follow the steps above for consistent results, and try the variations to keep dinners exciting. Enjoy the crisp bacon texture and juicy chicken every time.
Did you know? Cooking chicken with bacon creates a lipid barrier that reduces moisture loss, helping the meat stay tender while absorbing smoky flavors.
Pros, crisp bacon, juicy chicken, easy prep. Cons, higher fat and calories when using traditional bacon, requires a meat thermometer for best results.
For authoritative food safety standards on safe cooking temperatures, refer to official guidance.
