This Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken is a sweet and savory treat! The chicken is coated in delicious maple syrup and garlic, then wrapped in crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Honestly, who can resist bacon? The combo of sweet maple and garlic makes this dish super special. I love serving it with veggies for a yummy meal that feels like a treat any night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for this recipe, but you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for bone-in pieces!
Bacon: Regular bacon works great, but turkey bacon is a lighter option if you want something less fatty. You can also use prosciutto for a different twist! Just note that prosciutto won’t get as crispy.
Maple Syrup: Always opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, agave syrup or honey can work as substitutes, but the flavor will change slightly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is my favorite, but garlic powder can be used if you’re in a pinch. One teaspoon of garlic powder is a good substitute for three cloves of fresh garlic.
How Do You Get Bacon Extra Crispy on Chicken?
Getting bacon crispy while cooking chicken can be tricky! Start by searing the bacon-wrapped chicken in a hot skillet before baking. This step helps render some of the fat and gives a nice color to the bacon.
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Once seared, transfer to the oven. Baking on a wire rack set over a sheet pan can help additional fat drip away and keep the bacon crispy.
Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken with Crispy Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
For The Maple Garlic Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare and roughly 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to have this crispy, sweet, and savory chicken on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that delicious crispy finish.
2. Make the Maple Garlic Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will add a fantastic flavor to your chicken!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Using paper towels, pat the chicken breasts dry. This helps the mixture stick better! Then, brush each chicken breast evenly with the maple garlic mixture—make sure they are coated well!
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Take two slices of bacon and wrap them around each chicken breast. Secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks if needed, to keep everything in place while cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, place the wrapped chicken breasts seam side down. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bacon is crispy and nicely browned.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Once seared, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Your kitchen will smell incredible!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After baking, carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful and crispy Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken!
FAQ for Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add even more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may need an extra few minutes to cook through.
What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
If you’re out of maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can work as substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but they’ll still add a nice sweetness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. For best results, use the oven to help maintain the bacon’s crispiness!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken (wrap it in bacon and coat it with the maple garlic mixture) a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before searing for even cooking.