Are you ready to take your chicken game to the next level? Introducing the Smoky Chipotle Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs – a dish that’s about to blow your mind and set your taste buds on fire! This is no ordinary chicken recipe, folks. We’re talking about a flavor explosion that’s going to leave you craving for more. Get ready to experience the ultimate in culinary rebellion.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Chipotle Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs
This dish is an absolute game-changer! The combination of the succulent chicken thighs, the smoky chipotle seasoning, and the crispy bacon is simply out of this world. The flavors are bold, the textures are perfectly balanced, and the overall presentation is just downright epic. This is the kind of meal that will have your friends and family begging you for the recipe. Trust me, once you take a bite of this insanely delicious creation, you’ll never look at chicken the same way again.
Ingredients
Get ready to round up some serious flavor powerhouses! You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a touch of salt and pepper. These ingredients are about to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise.
- 8-10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the key to maximum juiciness and flavor
- 12-14 slices of thick-cut bacon – because everything’s better with bacon
- 2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder – for that smoky, spicy kick
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – because we’re all about that bold, smoky profile
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for a savory, umami boost
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – a touch of sweetness to balance the heat
- Salt and pepper to taste – to season it all to perfection
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will also work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Chipotle Chili Powder: If you can’t find chipotle chili powder, you can use regular chili powder or even a bit of cayenne pepper for that extra spicy punch.
How to Make Smoky Chipotle Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs
Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 400°F. Then, grab your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Rub this explosive seasoning blend all over the chicken, making sure to get it into every nook and cranny.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to wrap these babies in bacon! Grab a slice of thick-cut bacon and carefully wrap it around each chicken thigh, overlapping the ends to secure it in place. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop that sheet pan into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake the chicken for about 35-40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen is going to have everyone drooling in anticipation.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Get ready to serve up a true culinary masterpiece that’s going to have your guests begging for more.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon Variety: Try using different types of bacon, like maple-smoked or peppered, for added depth of flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder to suit your personal preference. For a milder dish, use less; for an extra kick, add a bit more.
- Sweet Glazed Twist: Brush the chicken with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delicious sweet and smoky combination.
- Crispy Skin Trick: For extra crispy skin, place the bacon-wrapped chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, ensuring the bacon gets maximum exposure to the oven’s heat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or steamed broccoli – the possibilities are endless!
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer until hot and crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the seasoned, bacon-wrapped chicken in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of this Smoky Chipotle Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs dish packs a serious punch of protein and flavor. With approximately 350 calories, 25g of fat, and 35g of protein per serving, this meal is sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 bacon-wrapped chicken thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as they may cook a bit faster than bone-in, skin-on thighs.
Can I use regular chili powder instead of chipotle?
Yes, you can substitute regular chili powder for the chipotle chili powder. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
The key to crispy bacon is to make sure it’s in direct contact with the baking sheet. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken in a single layer, making sure the bacon is tucked under the chicken.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can certainly prepare the seasoned, bacon-wrapped chicken in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What should I serve with this dish?
The possibilities are endless! These Smoky Chipotle Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs pair beautifully with roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or even a simple side of steamed veggies. Get ready to create a truly epic meal that will have your taste buds singing.
Try These Next
- Spicy Chipotle Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
- Smoky Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
- Smoky Chipotle Bbq Chicken Tacos
Smoky Chipotle Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Chipotle Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs are a deliciously spicy and savory dish that will impress your guests. Perfect for grilling or baking!
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs
8 slices of bacon
2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Wrap each chicken thigh with 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the chipotle sauce over the bacon-wrapped chicken.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in chipotle sauce for a few hours before wrapping in bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, bacon, chipotle, spicy