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Bacon Chicken

Bacon Chicken

A quick and flavorful Bacon Chicken recipe that combines crispy thick-cut bacon with tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers a smoky, savory taste with simple pantry ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Bacon

  • 812 thick-cut bacon strips (23 per chicken breast)

Seasonings & Oil

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for garnish
  • Mozzarella or cheddar slices for cheesy variation
  • Cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick
  • Fresh rosemary or basil for herb infusion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, coating evenly for maximum flavor.
  2. Wrap the Chicken in Bacon: Wrap each chicken breast tightly with 2 to 3 strips of thick-cut bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed to hold the bacon in place.
  3. Cook the Bacon Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place wrapped chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping carefully to crisp the bacon evenly without burning the chicken.
  4. Finish in the Oven (Optional): For thicker chicken breasts, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure thorough cooking and lock in moisture.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Remove toothpicks, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve.

Notes

  • Choose thick-cut bacon to avoid burning and to ensure crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; give each chicken piece space for even cooking.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
  • Remove toothpicks before serving to avoid accidents.
  • Rest chicken on a cooling rack instead of a plate to keep bacon crispy.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon chicken, crispy bacon chicken, quick chicken dinner, easy weeknight meal, keto chicken recipe, gluten free chicken