This Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon is the ultimate savory-sweet dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Juicy chicken breasts are wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with a rich, sticky maple glaze, creating a flavor combination that’s both comforting and irresistible. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe is simple yet packed with bold flavors. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the salty crunch of bacon.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup—everything cooks on a single baking sheet.
- Versatile: Serve it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon (thin or thick-cut, depending on preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Wrap the Chicken in Bacon
- Lay two slices of bacon side by side, slightly overlapping, on a cutting board.
- Place a chicken breast on top and wrap the bacon around it, securing the ends underneath. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the bacon-wrapped chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until the bacon starts to crisp. Transfer the skillet or chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Make the Maple Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Reserve half of the glaze for serving and set aside.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Brush the remaining glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking to achieve extra crispiness on the bacon.
