What do you do when you’re tired on a Tuesday night and have no idea what to eat? I was staring blankly into the fridge, spotted some chicken, a pack of bacon, and thought, “Why not?” What was the best decision I’ve ever made. Think of it as Chicken Cordon Bleu, but way easier and without the fussy breading? It’s got that savory, salty bacon crunch, juicy, tender chicken, and it’s a surefire winner every single time. What are some good, garlic-wrapped chicken breasts that will change your weeknight dinner game?
What is a bacon-wrapped chicken breast?
What is a bacon-wrapped chicken breast? What’s the best way to spice up a chicken breast? What’s a flavor bomb disguised as a simple dinner? What’s a good weeknight superhero recipe?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is your favorite bagel-wrapped chicken breast recipe? The salty bacon perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a symphony of taste that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. If you can wrap something in bacon, you can make this recipe. I’m talking minimal prep time and maximum flavor payoff. What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. Can you feed a family of four chicken breasts for under $15? Can you serve these **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts** with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a simple salad, or even slice them up for tacos or sandwiches? What is the chicken equivalent of a little black dress? I swear it’s the gateway drug to more adventurous cooking. Compared to something like a Roasted Chicken, which takes hours, this is ready in under an hour. What’s a good alternative to plain grilled chicken?
How do you make bacon-wrapped chicken breasts?
Quick Overview
How do you make bacon-wrapped chicken breasts? What is the best way to cook chicken? Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can still nail this recipe. I promise.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Look for breasts that are relatively uniform in size for even cooking. If they’re extra thick, you can pound them out slightly to about 1/2 inch thickness.
For the Bacon Wrap:
1 pound thick-cut bacon. I always opt for thick-cut because it holds its shape better and gets extra crispy.
For the Optional Filling:
4 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack all work great). Shredded cheese works too!
For the Seasoning:
What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Salt to taste.
How do I follow step by step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. I always do this, because trust me, cleaning up bacon grease is not fun. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! I like to pat the seasoning into the chicken so it really sticks.
Step 3: (Optional) Add Filling
If you’re using cheese, carefully cut a slit lengthwise into each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Stuff each pocket with a slice of cheese. If you overstuff cheese, it will ooze out during baking (although, let’s be honest, even if it does, it’s still delicious).
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
How do you wrap a chicken breast with bacon? Make sure the bacon is snug, but not too tight. You want it to get nice and crispy. I always start by placing one end of the bacon strip on the bottom of the chicken breast, then wrapping it around and slightly overlapping the next strip.
Step 5: Bake
Place the **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts** on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer to be sure. Nobody wants dry chicken!
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let the **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts** rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. How do you remove the toothpicks before serving?
What should I serve it with?
Can you serve these **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts** with anything you like?
What is a simple weeknight dinner? Serve with a side of roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are all great choices) and a simple salad.
For a More Elegant Meal:Pair with mashed potatoes and asparagus. A glass of crisp white wine would be the perfect complement.
For a Casual Get-Together:What are some good toppings for chicken breasts?
What’s a quick and easy lunch?How do you slice chicken breasts and add them to a salad or wrap?
My family loves these with mac and cheese. It’s total comfort food heaven. They’re also great with a side of quinoa or rice for a healthier option. Is it safe to throw them on top of a pizza?
How do I make bacon-wrapped chicken breasts?
How can I take my chicken breasts to the next level?
How do you choose the right bacon? Thick-cut bacon is your best friend! It holds its shape better and gets extra crispy. Avoid using bacon that’s too thin, as it tends to burn easily.
Don’t overcook a chicken: Don’t overcoOvercooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Secure the Bacon:How do you remove a toothpick from a chicken breast?
Add Some Flavor:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and fillings. Cheese, herbs, and spices can add a delicious boost of flavor. I added a bit of chipotle powder to the seasoning and it gave it a wonderful smoky kick!
How do you bake on a wire rack?For extra crispy bacon, bake the **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts** on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows the air to circulate around the bacon, resulting in even crisper results.
Let it Rest: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. I know it’s hard to resist, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Brine the Chicken:If you have the time, brining the chicken before wrapping it in bacon will result in an even more tender and juicy chicken. How do you soak chicken in salt water for 30 minutes before cooking?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store leftover chicken breasts?
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave these out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: What is theCan you store the **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days? Make sure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out.
How do I use a freezerFor longer storage, wrap the **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts** individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. I’ve found this is a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand for those nights when I’m really short on time.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the **Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts** in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crispy. I prefer to reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What are some of the best Baked Chicken breast recipes? What are the little moments of joy you share with family and friends over a great meal? If you’re a bacon lover, you’re in for a real treat! What are some of your favorite recipes and why?
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless
- 8 slices Bacon Thick-cut preferred
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts with paprika and garlic powder.
- Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon.
- Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy.
