This Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Dinner is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich maple glaze make each bite irresistible!
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish! Just cook the chicken with bacon and drizzle the maple sauce on top. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this dish as they cook evenly and quickly. You could also use thighs for more flavor and juiciness. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly!
Bacon: Bacon adds a crispy texture and savory flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too, though it may not get as crispy. Vegetarian bacon is another substitute for a meat-free version.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is key for that rich sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, agave syrup or honey can substitute, but keep an eye on how the flavors might shift slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings amazing flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon) as an alternative, but fresh tastes best in this case!
How Do You Ensure Crispy Bacon & Juicy Chicken?
The secret to achieving crispy bacon while keeping the chicken juicy lies in how you wrap and cook them. Here’s how to do it right:
- When wrapping, make sure the bacon is snugly around the chicken but not so tight that it restricts cooking.
- Baking at the right temperature (375°F) allows the bacon to render its fat and crisp up while the chicken cooks through.
- Basting the chicken with the glaze halfway through enhances the flavor and helps to caramelize the bacon.
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking allows juices to redistribute, making it more tender.
Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
For the Glaze:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, totaling around 45 minutes. You’ll be enjoying a flavorful meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and helps the bacon get that lovely crispiness.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely blended. This glaze will add that sweet and savory touch to your chicken!
3. Wrap the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and wrap it with two slices of bacon. If you’d like, use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place, but be careful when removing them later!
4. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish. Make sure they’re spaced out so they can cook evenly and not steam each other.
5. Brush with Glaze:
Generously brush the maple garlic glaze all over the bacon-wrapped chicken. Don’t be shy; the more glaze, the better!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the bacon is crispy and delicious.
7. Baste for Extra Flavor:
Around halfway through the baking time, take a moment to baste the chicken with some extra glaze. This will enhance the flavor and ensure that every bite is amazing!
8. Let it Rest:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to settle, making the chicken even more tender.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve your Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Dinner warm and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and savory!
Enjoy your savory and sweet Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Dinner! 🍽️
FAQ for Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Dinner
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative! They’ll add even more flavor and remain juicy while baking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the appropriate internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Maple Syrup?
No problem! If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that using honey will offer a slightly different flavor but will still maintain that delicious sweetness!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can wrap the chicken and prepare the glaze a day ahead. Simply store the wrapped chicken in the fridge, and when you’re ready to bake, just brush on the glaze and follow the cooking instructions. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
