There’s just something irresistible about the combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a touch of smoky sweetness. This Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken is the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed experience. It’s easy enough for busy evenings but impressive enough for company. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of wrapping chicken in bacon?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Packed with flavor: Smoky spices, crispy bacon, and a honey drizzle make every bite irresistible.
- Minimal ingredients: You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes from a handful of simple but bold ingredients.
- Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless, and sliced thin for even cooking.
- Smoked paprika & chili powder – Adds that signature smoky warmth.
- Bacon – Because everything is better wrapped in bacon!
- Olive oil – Helps with crisping and caramelization.
- Honey – A little sweetness to balance out the smoky and savory elements.
(See the full ingredient list in the recipe card below.)
Step By Step to Make Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken
Step 1: Season and Wrap
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season both chicken pieces with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Then, wrap each chicken piece in a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
Step 2: Sear for the Best Texture
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the wrapped chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This locks in the juices and helps crisp the bacon before baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove the skillet, drizzle the chicken with honey, and return it to the oven for another 3-4 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
Pro Tips for Wrapping Chicken Like a Pro
- Use center-cut bacon – It’s leaner and crisps up beautifully without overwhelming the chicken.
- Secure with toothpicks – If your bacon isn’t sticking well, a simple toothpick does the trick.
- Don’t skip the sear – This helps the bacon start crisping so you get the best texture by the end.
What to Serve with Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken
This Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower mash or grilled asparagus.
Looking for something heartier? Serve it with creamy mac and cheese or buttery garlic bread to balance the smoky, sweet flavors. If you want a refreshing contrast, a citrusy slaw or a tangy cucumber salad makes a perfect complement. For a wholesome meal, consider pairing it with quinoa or wild rice for added texture and nutrition.
Want a fun twist? Try serving it in a wrap with crisp lettuce and a drizzle of ranch dressing, or chop it up over a loaded baked potato for a delicious twist on comfort food. No matter how you serve it, this dish is bound to steal the show!
FAQs about Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can season and wrap the chicken in bacon a few hours in advance. When ready to cook, follow the searing and baking steps. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Yes, but it may not crisp up as well as regular bacon. If using turkey bacon, increase searing time slightly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few extra minutes.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or a touch of brown sugar will work well as an alternative.
How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—when it reads 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken, you’re good to go!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
Conclusion
Sweet, smoky, and wrapped in crispy bacon—this Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken is the perfect balance of bold flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is bound to be a hit. So go ahead, wrap that chicken in bacon, and enjoy every bite!
Other Delicious Recipes To Try
Print
Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy, bacon-wrapped chicken drizzled with honey. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast, halved lengthwise
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- 2 slices center-cut bacon
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each piece in 1 slice of bacon; secure with a toothpick.
- Sear in a hot ovenproof skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Bake for 8 minutes.
- Drizzle with honey and bake for another 3-4 minutes until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjo
Notes
- Use center-cut bacon for better crisping.
- Turkey bacon can be used but may not crisp as well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking & Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg