This bacon-wrapped chicken recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a show-stopping meal by wrapping them in savory bacon and brushing with a sweet-tangy honey mustard glaze.

Quick Facts:

• Total time: 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20-24 min baking)
• Simple 5-ingredient glaze elevates basic ingredients
• Bakes at 350°F for perfectly cooked chicken and crispy bacon
• Works great for weeknight dinners or special occasions
• Best with ethically raised, pasture-raised chicken and natural bacon for superior flavor

We can't seem to get enough bacon around here. It started simply enough—eating it plain at breakfast. Then we began wrapping other foods in it, starting with asparagus. The results were so good, we just kept going. Because honestly, you just can't go wrong with bacon.

This week, it was chicken wrapped in bacon. One of the farmers had been baling hay all day when he called asking for something "really meaty" for supper. Meat wrapped in more meat sounded perfect.

This bacon-wrapped chicken breast in the oven recipe delivers exactly that: tender, juicy chicken encased in crispy bacon, all glazed with a honey mustard coating that hits the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

How to Make It

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips. This size ensures even cooking and gives you the perfect bacon-to-chicken ratio.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each chicken strip with a slice of bacon, making sure the bacon slightly overlaps and covers the meat completely. Place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, stone-ground mustard, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. First Bake: Brush the tops of the bacon-wrapped chicken generously with the glaze. Bake for 12 minutes.
6. Flip and Finish: Remove from oven, flip each piece over, and brush the remaining glaze on the other side. Return to oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the bacon is crispy.

Tips for Best Results

• Skip the slicing with chicken tenderloins: For even easier prep, use chicken tenderloins instead of slicing chicken breasts. They're already the perfect size for wrapping in bacon and cook evenly.
• For crispier bacon: Start with thinner-cut bacon rather than thick-cut, which cooks through more evenly in the same time as the chicken.
• Don't skip the flip: Turning the chicken halfway through ensures both sides get crispy bacon and caramelized glaze.
• Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part—this guarantees food safety without overcooking.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
• Pasture-raised makes a difference: Our ethical chicken has more flavor and a firmer texture than conventional chicken, making it stand up beautifully to the bacon wrapping and high-heat cooking.

FAQs

How long do you bake bacon-wrapped chicken in the oven?

Bake at 350°F for 22-24 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken strips, so always verify the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F.

Should I pre-cook the bacon before wrapping the chicken?

No need to pre-cook the bacon for this recipe. The baking time is designed so that both the chicken and bacon finish cooking at the same time. Pre-cooking would result in bacon that's overly crispy or burnt by the time the chicken is done.

How do I make bacon-wrapped chicken crispy without overcooking it?

Use thinner bacon slices and bake at 350°F rather than a higher temperature. The moderate heat allows the chicken to cook through while the bacon renders its fat and crisps. Flipping halfway through also helps both sides crisp evenly.

Can I use turkey bacon or chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? 

Turkey bacon won't crisp as well due to its lower fat content, but it works in a pinch. Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They're more forgiving if slightly overcooked and add even more flavor. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may need a few extra minutes.

Can I prepare bacon-wrapped chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely. Wrap the chicken and prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready. Add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain the bacon's crispiness. Microwaving works, but will soften the bacon.

Why use pasture-raised chicken and natural bacon for this recipe?

Quality ingredients make all the difference in a simple recipe like this. Our ethical chicken is more nutrient-rich and flavorful than conventional options, with a firmer texture that holds up beautifully when wrapped. Our natural bacon comes from Heritage pork raised on pasture, without antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs, resulting in healthier, tastier bacon that crisps perfectly.

Ready to Make This Recipe?

This bacon-wrapped chicken recipe shows what's possible when you start with exceptional ingredients. Our pastured chicken and natural bacon bring superior flavor and texture that conventional products simply can't match.

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