Looking for a savory dish that will captivate your taste buds? Look no further than Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken! This dish brings together the perfect balance of savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, and fragrant garlic to create a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s quick, easy, and a surefire hit for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple to follow and offers mouthwatering results.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, from the ingredients and directions to tips on serving and customizing the dish. Ready to make a deliciously sweet and savory meal? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Luckily, this recipe uses ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Chicken breasts are lean, tender, and cook quickly, making them the perfect protein for this recipe.
- 8 slices of bacon – The star of the show! Bacon adds a crispy, salty element that pairs wonderfully with the sweet brown sugar.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Brown sugar brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness that balances the savory bacon and garlic.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Garlic powder imparts a deep, aromatic flavor that adds depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This gives the chicken a warm, smoky flavor that complements the other spices.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – A bit of black pepper helps bring all the flavors together with a gentle kick.
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing – To prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking dish, make sure to grease it lightly.
Once you have all of these ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from making a mouthwatering dinner!
Step-by-Step Directions for Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Now that we have our ingredients prepped, it’s time to get cooking! The steps are simple and quick, so even busy weeknights can handle this recipe.
1. Preheat the Oven
The first step in this recipe is preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks through without drying out, and the bacon crisps up perfectly. Also, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Next, take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and wrap it with two slices of bacon. Be sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the chicken, securing it as best as possible. This will allow the bacon to crisp up nicely while also infusing the chicken with flavor. Once each chicken breast is wrapped in bacon, place them in the prepared baking dish. Arrange them so they aren’t overcrowded, which ensures that they cook evenly.
3. Make the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients together until evenly combined. This seasoning mix is what gives the chicken its unique combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Once your seasoning is ready, sprinkle it generously over the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. Use your fingers to gently press the seasoning mixture into the bacon and chicken, ensuring it adheres well.
4. Bake the Chicken
It’s time to let the oven work its magic! Place the baking dish with the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through, and the bacon will crisp up beautifully. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
If you like your bacon extra crispy, you can switch your oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time. Just be sure to watch closely during this step to avoid burning the bacon.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and tender. After it’s rested, slice, serve, and enjoy your sweet, savory, and crispy Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken!
Nutritional Information
Wondering about the nutritional details of this delicious dish? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
This recipe provides a satisfying meal that’s not overly indulgent, making it perfect for a balanced dinner.
Serving Suggestions for Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Now that you’ve made this flavorful chicken, you’ll need a few side dishes to complete the meal. Here are some ideas that pair perfectly with this dish:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a great side. Their slight bitterness balances the richness of the chicken and bacon.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect pairing to soak up all the delicious juices from the chicken.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or even quinoa is a great side that complements the flavors of the bacon-wrapped chicken.
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the dish, offering a refreshing contrast.
For drinks, try pairing your meal with a chilled iced tea or sparkling water to keep things light and refreshing.
Variations and Customizations
This Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy version of this dish.
- Turkey Bacon: If you want a leaner option, swap out the regular bacon for turkey bacon. It’s still crispy, but lower in fat.
- Herbs and Citrus: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning, or squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the finished dish.
- Different Sweeteners: If you prefer a different type of sweetness, you can experiment with maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making this dish, there are a few common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Uneven Bacon Crispiness: Ensure that the bacon is wrapped tightly around the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the baking dish. This will help ensure the bacon crisps up evenly.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. This ensures the meat remains moist and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add a bit of heat, incorporate cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even sriracha into the seasoning mix. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and wrap it in bacon ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just bring it to room temperature before cooking.
What sides go best with this chicken?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad are all excellent choices to pair with this dish.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings together the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crispy elements. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
For more delicious recipes, check out these other mouthwatering ideas:
- Loaded Beef and Potato Bake – The Ultimate Comfort Food
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Wrap – Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe
- Garlic Knot Chicken Alfredo Ring – A Crowd-Pleasing Delight
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the best bacon-wrapped chicken you’ve ever tasted!
Print
Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken – A Delicious and Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering combination of crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and savory garlic. Wrapped around juicy chicken breasts, it’s baked to perfection for an easy yet flavorful weeknight meal your family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon, making sure the bacon is secure around the chicken. Place the wrapped chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. For an extra-crispy finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides for a delicious, savory meal.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, use a hickory-smoked bacon.
- You can substitute the garlic powder with fresh minced garlic for a more intense flavor.
- If you prefer crispier bacon, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, sweet bacon chicken, garlic brown sugar chicken, bacon-wrapped chicken, savory chicken recipe, easy bacon chicken recipe.