This Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet maple syrup, fragrant garlic, and crispy bacon. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!
If you love sweet and savory, you’re in for a treat! The chicken gets juicy and flavorful while the bacon adds a delightful crunch. I often serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish since they cook evenly. If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs are a tasty alternative.
Bacon: Regular bacon gives a crispy texture, but turkey bacon is a lower-fat option. You could even use pancetta for a unique flavor twist!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is best for flavor, but you can swap it with honey or agave syrup if you’re out of maple or prefer a different taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic has the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove of fresh garlic.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. You could replace it with vegetable oil or melted butter, depending on your preference.
How Do I Get the Bacon Crispy on the Chicken?
Getting crispy bacon on your chicken is key for texture! First, wrap the chicken breasts tightly with the bacon. Don’t overlap too much, as excess bacon can prevent crisping.
- Cooking it at a higher temperature initially for the first 15-20 minutes can make it crisp up nicely.
- If the bacon is not as crispy as you’d like, broil it for a few minutes at the end. Just watch it closely to avoid burning!
This method creates that crunchy exterior you want without overcooking the chicken inside. Enjoy your cooking!
Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking, making a total of 40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Marinade:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a small bowl and whisk together the maple syrup, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper until it’s all nicely combined.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken.
3. Wrap with Bacon:
Now it’s time to wrap! Take one or two slices of bacon and wrap them around each chicken breast. If needed, secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep everything together. This will give you that crispy bacon layer you’re looking for.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts into a baking dish. Make sure they are snug but not overcrowded. This helps them cook evenly.
5. Add the Marinade:
Pour the delicious maple garlic marinade evenly over the chicken. Don’t be shy—make sure each piece is well-coated for a burst of flavor!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through—a nice internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. You can check the chicken’s doneness using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you want that bacon to be extra crispy, set your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When done, carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve warm. Enjoy your sweet, savory, and garlicky Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken!
FAQ for Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or quicker by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before wrapping with bacon for the best results!
What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. Both alternatives will still provide a delicious sweetness, but note that the flavor will vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, making sure to heat thoroughly and evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, wrap it in bacon, and even marinate it a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake! This helps enhance the flavors, too!
