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Minimal ingredients help this Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken come together easily. The perfect dinnertime meal that will leave your family satisfied.
When I’m not sure what to make for dinner, I always default to chicken. There are so many different recipes that you can make with it that you just can’t go wrong.
This Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken is one of them, with minimal ingredients and time, this recipe is super simple yet absolutely flavorful.
Crispy “candied” bacon wraps around a chicken breast that has been coated in a brown sugar mixture that is sweet yet savory. A combination of flavors that just works well.
Also, how can you say no to bacon? I know that I can’t, if it has bacon, uses bacon, or is wrapped in bacon, I’m all for it.
That is what makes this easy recipe a favorite.
These flavors all meld together so amazingly. It’s like they were made for each other.
I seriously have never met a person that didn’t absolutely devour this chicken when I made it for them. It’s irresistible!
So are you looking for that easy and tasty weeknight dinner meal that won’t break the budget? Then you have to whip up this Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken.
Some of my other favorite chicken recipes that we have on our site include: Beer Can Chicken, Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches and Bourbon Chicken.
Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE BROWN SUGAR BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- WHAT KIND OF BACON SHOULD I USE?
- IS THIS SPICY?
- DO I HAVE TO USE CHICKEN BREASTS?
- WHAT OTHER SEASONINGS CAN I USE?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- With minimal and easy-to-find ingredients, this is easy to throw together.
- Sweet and savory is the perfect pairing.
- You can double this recipe to make more.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Light brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Chicken breasts
- Bacon
- Parsley for garnish, optional
HOW TO MAKE BROWN SUGAR BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray 2 9×13 inch baking dishes with cooking spray, set aside.
- In a large shallow bowl stir together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Place each chicken breast one at a time into the brown sugar mixture to coat the outside, and press it in lightly so it sticks. Place three of them into one baking dish and three into another.
- Wrap each breast with two slices of bacon, tucking the ends under. Place it back into the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining chicken and bacon.
- Make sure the chicken breasts aren’t touching each other in the baking dishes.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture on top of each piece.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the bacon is browned and an internal temperature reaches 165°F. If the chicken is done but the bacon isn’t browned to your liking, you can turn on the broiler and broil on high until you reach your desired browning on top. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Garnish with parsley if using and serve.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF BACON SHOULD I USE?
You will want to use regular-cut bacon for this recipe.
Do not use thick cut as it will not crisp up and brown without the chicken being overdone.
We also like to use 2 baking dishes for this recipe, so the chicken does not touch when cooking which also helps the bacon crisp up.
IS THIS SPICY?
There is just the tiniest bit of heat from the cayenne.
If you want more of a kick, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne instead.
You can also add red chili flakes, chipotle powder, or any hot sauce of your choice right into the mix.
DO I HAVE TO USE CHICKEN BREASTS?
If you do not want to use a chicken breast for this recipe you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as well.
Since chicken thighs are smaller you are going to want to use 12 of them for this recipe and only 1 piece of bacon per thigh.
They will also cook quicker, so you will want to check around the 15 minute mark.
WHAT OTHER SEASONINGS CAN I USE?
While we love this just the way it is, sometimes it’s great to switch things up a little bit! Some other seasonings that we recommend using in this recipe include:
- Blackening seasoning
- Old Bay
- Cajun seasoning
- BBQ seasoning
- Lemon pepper
If using a pre-made seasoning mix, make sure to check the salt content, you may not need to add extra salt.
ANY ADDITIONS?
I always like to have a good list of options to choose from.
- Sprinkle a dash of chili powder over the bacon for a spicy bacon twist.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in a little orange juice before coating them with the brown sugar mixture for extra tang.
- Brush a bit of honey mustard or bbq sauce on top of the bacon-wrapped chicken near the end of the cooking time.
- Serve with green beans or chicken cubes of roasted veggies on the side for a complete meal.
- Try cooking these in the air fryer for crispy bacon without too much grease—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and make brown sugar bacon wrapped chicken bites for a perfect appetizer—great for game day!
- Season the top with a bit more black pepper or ground pepper if you like a stronger kick.
- Add a small drizzle of honey mustard after baking if you want a sweet-salty tang.
- Garnish with extra fresh chopped parsley or chopped scallions for color and flavor.
- Use leftover slices in sandwiches or wraps the next time for a yummy lunch idea!
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Take your pick! Or go ahead and use an idea of your own.
- Turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a slightly leaner option—just watch that it still gets crisp.
- Use bone-in or chicken strip pieces, but adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure juicy chicken.
- Go easy on the salt if you use fatty bacon that’s already salted—best results come from a balanced flavor.
- Try using a broiler pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up if you don’t want to use two 9×13 dishes.
HOW TO STORE:
This can be stored in an airtight container where it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This can also be frozen, place in a freezer container and it will keep for up to 3 months.
To defrost, remove to the refrigerator overnight until thawed. To reheat, place back in the oven until just heated through so it doesn’t get soggy.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
- Make sure you only use regular-cut bacon.
- We like to use 2 baking pans for this so the chicken does not touch and the bacon can brown.
- This has a touch of spice, if you want to make it spicier, you can – see my suggestions above.
- Serve this with any of your favorite side dishes.
- Other seasonings can be used, see above for ideas.
- You can also use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe.
- Spoon the pan juices over the top of the chicken when serving!
Love yourself a good chicken recipe that is easy, tasty, and great for the whole family?
You have to make this Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken, it will become a menu staple.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this BROWN SUGAR BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 slices bacon not thick cut
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray 2 9×13 inch baking dishes with cooking spray, set aside.
- In a large shallow bowl stir together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.¾ cup light brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Place each chicken breast one at a time into the brown sugar mixture to coat the outside, and press it in lightly so it sticks. Place three of them into one baking dish and three into another.6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Wrap each breast with two slices of bacon, tucking the ends under. Place it back into the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining chicken and bacon.12 slices bacon
- Make sure the chicken breasts aren’t touching each other in the baking dishes.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture on top of each piece.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the bacon is browned and an internal temperature reaches 165°F. If the chicken is done but the bacon isn’t browned to your liking, you can turn on the broiler and broil on high until you reach your desired browning on top. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Garnish with parsley if using and serve.Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Notes
- Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
- Make sure you only use regular-cut bacon.
- We like to use 2 baking pans for this so the chicken does not touch and the bacon can brown.
- This has a touch of spice, if you want to make it spicier, you can – see my suggestions above.
- Serve this with any of your favorite side dishes.
- Other seasonings can be used, see above for ideas.
- You can also use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe.
- Spoon the pan juices over the top of the chicken when serving!
Nutrition
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