Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because I’m about to show you how to turn your average chicken dish into a Smoky BBQ Bacon-wrapped EXPLOSION of flavor! This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it. We’re talking juicy, tender chicken wrapped in crispy, salty bacon and smothered in a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce that will have you licking your fingers and begging for more. Life gave us ingredients, so let’s make them LEGENDARY!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Bacon-wrapped Chicken
This dish is the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will leave your taste buds in a state of pure bliss. The bacon wraps add an incredible layer of crispiness and richness, while the homemade BBQ sauce brings the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. This recipe is not for the faint of heart – it’s a flavor bomb that will have your friends and family fighting over the last bite. Prepare to become the culinary rockstar of your neighborhood when you serve up this Smoky BBQ Bacon-wrapped Chicken masterpiece!
Ingredients
Get ready for the ultimate flavor party, because we’re using some seriously delicious ingredients here. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Trust me, this flavor combination is about to blow your mind.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut in half horizontally
- 12-16 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika (provides similar smoky flavor)
- Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar (for dietary restrictions)
How to Make Smoky BBQ Bacon-wrapped Chicken
Let’s get this flavor party started, shall we?
Step 1: Prep Work
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season the chicken all over with a mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Wrap each piece of chicken tightly in 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping the ends to keep the bacon in place.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. While that’s happening, let’s make the out-of-this-world BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of the leftover bacon grease. Simmer this mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up into a rich, glossy sauce.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
When the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and brush the smoky BBQ sauce all over the top. Make sure to get those flavor-packed nooks and crannies! Pop it back in the oven for 5-10 more minutes, just to let the sauce caramelize and get all sticky-licious.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
You’re almost there, my friends! Before serving, sprinkle on a little extra brown sugar and smoked paprika for that irresistible sweet and smoky vibe. Get ready for the ultimate food jealousy when you bring this Smoky BBQ Bacon-wrapped Chicken masterpiece to the table. Your guests are going to be SHOOK.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Kick up the Heat: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
- Try Different Seasonings: Experiment with Cajun or lemon-herb seasoning blends.
- Upgrade the Bacon: Use maple-smoked or peppered bacon for an even more flavor-packed dish.
- Get Creative: The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this recipe your own!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy roasted veggies, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the bacon-wrapped chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. The BBQ sauce can also be made a few days ahead and reheated when needed.
Nutrition Information
Let’s be real, this dish is not exactly a health food – but it’s definitely a flavor explosion worth indulging in! Each serving (1 chicken breast) contains approximately 400 calories, 25g of fat, 35g of protein, and 10g of carbs. So enjoy it in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Your taste buds (and your heart) will thank you!
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the bacon from getting too crispy or burning?
To keep the bacon nice and crispy without overcooking, try baking the chicken at a slightly lower temperature (375°F) and checking on it frequently. You can also add the BBQ sauce towards the end of the baking time to prevent the bacon from burning.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. The BBQ sauce can also be made a few days ahead and reheated when needed.
What sides go best with this dish?
The possibilities are endless, but some of our favorite pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, a fresh garden salad, or even a simple baked potato. The smoky, savory flavors of the chicken pair beautifully with starchy, veggie-forward sides.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Of course! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer baking time, but the result will be just as juicy and delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of heat in this Smoky BBQ Bacon-wrapped Chicken can be adjusted to your personal preference. The recipe as written has a mild to medium spice level from the chili powder and optional hot sauce. If you like things extra spicy, feel free to add more chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
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- Smoky Chipotle Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf With Maple Glaze
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf With Maple Glaze
Smoky BBQ Bacon-wrapped Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smoky BBQ Bacon-wrapped Chicken is a delicious and savory dish that combines tender chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, coated with a smoky BBQ sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
8 slices of bacon
1 cup smoky BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in a baking dish.
5. Brush the smoky BBQ sauce generously over the chicken.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before wrapping in bacon.
Serve with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: BBQ, Chicken, Bacon, Lunch