Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Looking for a delicious and easy chicken recipe that will leave your taste buds craving for more? Look no further! Bacon brown sugar garlic chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and savory garlic with tender and juicy chicken. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Steps
Step 1: Preparing the chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Set them aside while you prepare the bacon.
Step 2: Preparing the bacon
Take each slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around a chicken breast, covering as much surface area as possible. Repeat this step for all the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Preparing the glaze
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until well combined. This will be the glaze for the chicken.
Step 4: Coating the chicken
In a separate bowl, mix together the minced garlic and brown sugar. Take each bacon-wrapped chicken breast and roll it in the garlic-brown sugar mixture, making sure it’s well coated on all sides.
Step 5: Baking the chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour any remaining garlic-brown sugar mixture over the chicken. Brush each chicken breast with the glaze, making sure to cover all the bacon and exposed chicken. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Every 10 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush it with the remaining glaze for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serving the chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist. Serve the bacon brown sugar garlic chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Variations
While this recipe is already packed with flavor, you can always add your own personal touch to make it even more special. Here are a few variations you can try:
Spicy Kick:
If you like some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic-brown sugar mixture. This will give the chicken a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the smokiness of the bacon.
Cheesy Goodness:
For an extra indulgent twist, stuff each chicken breast with a slice of your favorite cheese before wrapping it with bacon. The melted cheese will add a creamy and gooey texture that will take this dish to a whole new level.
Tips
To ensure your bacon brown sugar garlic chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use thick-cut bacon for better flavor and texture.
- Make sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the chicken to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- For a caramelized glaze, broil the chicken for a couple of minutes at the end of cooking.
- Marinate the chicken in the glaze for a few hours or overnight for even more flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and garlic according to your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Bacon brown sugar garlic chicken is a winning combination of savory and sweet flavors that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. With its crispy bacon, tender chicken, and irresistible glaze, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, and get ready to enjoy a meal that is both comforting and delicious. Bon appétit!
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of boneless chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may take a bit longer to cook.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in the oven until heated through.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon if you prefer. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may have a slightly different texture and flavor compared to regular bacon.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, you can definitely grill the bacon brown sugar garlic chicken. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), brushing it with the glaze and turning it occasionally.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for a low-sugar diet due to the brown sugar used in the coating. However, you can try substituting the brown sugar with a sugar substitute that is suitable for your dietary needs.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the recipe your own. So feel free to get creative and adapt this bacon brown sugar garlic chicken recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!
