Bacon Wrapped Chicken is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is secretly so simple to make. It’s the perfect dish for impressing guests or treating your family to something extra special on a weeknight. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce creates a flavor explosion you’ll crave again and again.

With just four ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe couldn’t be easier. The oven does most of the work while you sit back and wait for that irresistible aroma to fill your kitchen. It’s versatile, too—pair it with mashed potatoes, a crisp side salad, or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a well-rounded meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients: You only need four basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand.
Easy to make: With minimal prep and the oven doing most of the work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Big on flavor: Smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and tangy barbecue sauce combine for an irresistible flavor trio.
Versatile: Pair it with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad, for a complete meal.
Impressive presentation: Despite being easy to make, it looks fancy enough for a special occasion or dinner party.
Crowd-pleaser: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Customizable: Swap the barbecue sauce for your favorite glaze or seasoning to make it your own.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, these cook quickly and stay tender and juicy.
Bacon: Wraps around the chicken to add a smoky, savory flavor and a crispy texture.
Paprika: Adds a touch of warm spice and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Barbecue sauce: Brushed on during cooking for a tangy, slightly sweet glaze that ties everything together.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Follow along to learn how to make bacon wrapped chicken.

Step One: Preheat oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
Step Two: Season chicken breasts on both sides with paprika.
Step Three: Wrap a bacon strip around the chicken breast, starting at the top and working your way down. Add a new bacon strip if you need to until the chicken is fully wrapped in bacon. Then, do the rest of the chicken breasts the same way.

Step Four: Broil for 4 minutes, then turn over. Broil for another 4 minutes, then turn over again. Brush each chicken breast with barbecue sauce and return to the oven. Broil for another 4 minutes, then remove from the oven. Turn the breasts over and brush with barbecue sauce again. Repeat this in four-minute increments until the chicken and bacon are fully cooked. Serve hot.

What to Serve With It

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the barbecue sauce: Use honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, or even a spicy sriracha glaze for a different flavor profile.
Add cheese: Slip a slice of cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack under the bacon for a gooey, cheesy twist.
Use turkey bacon: For a lighter option, swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon.
Season the chicken: Try garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning instead of paprika for a unique flavor.
Make it spicy: Sprinkle on cayenne pepper or use a spicy barbecue sauce to add some heat.
Use maple syrup: Drizzle maple syrup over the bacon-wrapped chicken before broiling for a sweet and savory combo.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating leftovers: Place any leftover bacon-wrapped chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each chicken piece individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil to prevent the bacon from overcooking. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave for a quick option, but note that the bacon may lose some crispiness.

The recipe on a plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Use thin chicken breasts: Thin pieces cook more evenly and faster under the broiler, ensuring juicy meat and crispy bacon.
Overlap the bacon strips: Slightly overlapping the bacon as you wrap ensures full coverage and helps it stay in place during cooking.
Secure with toothpicks: If your bacon isn’t staying put, use toothpicks to secure it—just remember to remove them before serving!
Keep an eye on the broiler: Broilers can vary in intensity, so check the chicken frequently to prevent the bacon from burning.
Line your baking sheet: Aluminum foil makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking, especially with the barbecue sauce.
Brush barbecue sauce in layers: Adding the sauce in stages allows it to caramelize and build up a rich glaze.
Let it rest: After removing from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices before serving.

Bacon Recipes

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