Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Recipe

Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly marries the savory richness of bacon with the sweet, comforting notes of maple syrup. As I prepared this recipe for the first time, I was instantly transported to a cozy autumn morning, where the aroma of sizzling bacon and sweet maple wafted through the air. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also carries a certain charm that makes it a favorite at family gatherings and dinner parties.

The combination of crispy bacon and tender chicken creates a texture that is simply irresistible, while the maple glaze adds a unique twist that elevates the dish to new heights. People love Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken for its convenience; it’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping centerpiece for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Join me as we dive into the delicious world of Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely glaze we’re aiming for. 2. While the oven is heating up, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. If they are particularly thick, you might want to butterfly them or pound them down to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly. 3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. I like to rub the spices in a bit to ensure they stick well and flavor the chicken throughout.

Making the Maple Glaze

4. In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Whisk them together until they are well blended. The mustard adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup, and the soy sauce gives it a savory depth. 5. Once the glaze is mixed, set aside about 1/4 cup of it in a separate bowl. This will be used later for basting the chicken while it cooks.

Wrapping the Chicken in Bacon

6. Now, let’s wrap the chicken in bacon! Take a slice of bacon and lay it flat on your cutting board. Place a seasoned chicken breast at one end of the bacon slice and roll it up tightly. The bacon should wrap around the chicken completely. 7. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary, but I usually find that the bacon holds itself in place during cooking. Repeat this process for all the chicken breasts.

Cooking the Chicken

8. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds flavor. 9. Once the chicken is nicely browned, pour the maple glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Make sure to coat each piece well. 10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is the best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. 11. Halfway through the baking time, take the chicken out and baste it with the reserved maple glaze. This will enhance the flavor and give it a beautiful, sticky finish.

Finishing Touches

12. Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more tender and juicy. 13. While the chicken is resting, you can prepare your serving dish. I like to serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the bacon and maple glaze. 14. After resting, slice the chicken into thick pieces and arrange them on your serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top for extra flavor. 15. Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. It not only looks great but adds a nice herbal note to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

16. Serve the maple glazed bacon chicken warm, and enjoy it with your favorite sides. This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a light quinoa salad. 17. If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and enjoy the flavors all over again. 18. For a fun twist, you can also shred the leftover chicken and use it in tacos or on top of a salad for a quick and tasty meal. This maple glazed bacon chicken is a

Conclusion:

In summary, this Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game. The combination of sweet maple syrup and savory bacon creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also makes for a stunning presentation that will impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding spices like cayenne for a kick or incorporating different types of nuts for added crunch. I encourage you to give this Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative twists you added. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Happy cooking! Print