Bacon Wrapped Chicken
This bacon wrapped chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy turkey bacon, offering a flavorful and easy-to-make main dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices turkey bacon use a -certified brand
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
- fresh rosemary or thyme optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mix evenly all over the chicken breasts.
Wrap the Chicken
- Lay two slices of turkey bacon on a clean surface, slightly overlapping. Place one chicken breast at the end of the bacon slices and carefully roll the bacon around the chicken until fully wrapped. Secure the ends with toothpicks if necessary. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts seam side down. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bacon is golden and slightly crispy.
Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
Optional Topping
- For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to melt and form a delicious crust.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme before serving.
Equipment
- Oven
- Oven-safe skillet
- Baking Dish
- Meat Thermometer
- Toothpicks
Notes
Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if it tends to unravel during cooking. Customize your seasoning with herbs and spices for a personalized flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. A meat thermometer is recommended to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).