Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Cooking Time And Cheese Factor

Chicken wrapped in bacon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes and broccoli to grilled corn salad and roasted vegetables. The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the chicken and the type of bacon used, but on average, it takes around 25-35 minutes in an oven preheated to 375-400°F. For those who prefer their bacon extra crispy, it is recommended to broil it for an additional 1-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.

Characteristics of cooking chicken wrapped in bacon and cheese:

How to prepare the chicken and bacon for cooking

To prepare chicken and bacon for cooking, you'll first want to decide on your seasonings and any fillings. For a simple approach, you can season the chicken with salt and pepper and wrap it in bacon. However, if you want to add more flavour, you can use a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Alternatively, for a kick of heat, you can fill the chicken with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese.

Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to start preparing the chicken. If you're adding a filling, you'll need to butterfly the chicken breasts or cut a slit along the side to create a pocket. Then, fill the chicken with your chosen mixture. If you're using cream cheese, you can either use a spoon or put the mixture into a plastic bag, cut the tip, and squeeze it into the chicken.

After filling the chicken, it's time to wrap it with bacon. Tightly wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon, making sure the ends are tucked under the chicken to hold everything in place. If you're not adding a filling, you can simply rub your chosen seasonings onto the chicken and then wrap it with bacon.

Finally, place the chicken breasts on a baking pan or oven-proof skillet, seam-side down. If you have any remaining seasoning or spice mixture, you can sprinkle it over the chicken.

Your chicken and bacon are now prepared and ready for cooking!

How to cook the chicken and bacon in an oven

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. The quantities below are for four servings.

• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• 4 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 (16-ounce) package of bacon
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Method

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and onion powder.

Rub half of the spice mixture over the chicken breasts.

Wrap each chicken breast with 2 to 4 slices of bacon, depending on the size of the breast. Place the wrapped chicken in a baking dish or ovenproof skillet, seam-side down.

Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the chicken.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp, the chicken is no longer pink in the centre, and the juices run clear. For extra crispy bacon, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1 to 3 minutes.

Insert an instant-read thermometer into the centre of the chicken to check that it has reached the safe temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Serve the chicken topped with parsley.

Tips

• It is important to ensure that each piece of chicken is roughly the same size so that it cooks evenly.
• Avoid using thick-cut bacon, as it will take longer to cook.
• If you want your bacon extra crispy, you can broil it for a couple of minutes at the end of the cooking time, but be careful not to leave it too long, as the sugar in the sauce will cause it to burn.
• The best way to tell if your chicken is cooked is to slice it open and check that it is white all the way through. Alternatively, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).
• Depending on the oven and the thickness of the chicken breasts, the baking time can vary. Some recipes suggest baking for up to 40 minutes.
• This dish pairs well with sides such as mashed potatoes, broccoli, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread.

How to cook the chicken and bacon in an air fryer

How to Cook Chicken and Bacon in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Bacon
• Seasoning of your choice

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray.
• Add your chosen seasoning to a small bowl and set aside.
• Take clean and dry chicken breasts and rub both sides evenly with the seasoning.
• Wrap each chicken breast with 2 pieces of bacon, keeping the ends of the bacon underneath the chicken breast.
• Place the bacon-wrapped chicken into the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then turn down the temperature to 370 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serve immediately with your favourite sides.

Tips:

• Thin slices of bacon work best for wrapping around chicken as they cook more evenly in the air fryer and crisp up without overcooking the chicken.
• Secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling during cooking. Remember to remove them before serving.
• To prevent the bacon from sticking to the air fryer basket, spray it lightly with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store any leftover bacon-wrapped chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer and heat at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.

What to serve with chicken wrapped in bacon

Chicken wrapped in bacon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to make a delicious meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken wrapped in bacon to create a well-rounded and satisfying dinner:

Salad

A fresh and healthy option, a salad can complement the richness of the bacon-wrapped chicken. Try a Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado and Tomato or a Pesto Potato Salad. The avocado and tomato will add a creamy and juicy texture to the meal, while the corn provides a sweet and crunchy element.

Rice

Rice is a great option to soak up all the delicious juices from the chicken and bacon. Try serving the bacon-wrapped chicken over a bed of Lemon Rice or Broccoli Rice Casserole. The lemon rice will add a bright and citrusy note to the dish, while the broccoli rice provides a healthy and tasty option.

Mac and Cheese

For an indulgent and comforting option, mac and cheese is always a popular choice. Pair the bacon-wrapped chicken with Instant Pot Mac and Cheese or The Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal. The creaminess of the cheese sauce will go well with the salty bacon.

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great way to add some colour, texture, and nutrients to your plate. Try roasted fingerling potatoes and crockpot carrots, or go for a classic with mashed potatoes. If you're looking for something a little lighter, steamed or roasted broccoli is a great option to balance out the richness of the bacon.

Bread

Fresh bread is a simple yet effective side for bacon-wrapped chicken. It can be used to soak up any remaining juices on your plate, or to make a delicious sandwich with the chicken and bacon.

Corn

Corn is a sweet and juicy option to serve with bacon-wrapped chicken. Try Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Corn for an extra bacon-y treat, or keep it simple with steamed or boiled corn on the cob.

With these sides, your bacon-wrapped chicken dinner is sure to be a hit! Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite.

How to store chicken wrapped in bacon

Bacon-wrapped chicken is a delicious meal, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here is a detailed guide on how to store chicken wrapped in bacon.

Firstly, it is important to note that you should only keep leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you will need to freeze it.

To store your chicken wrapped in bacon, place it in an airtight container and put it in the fridge. Make sure that the container is sealed properly to prevent bacteria from growing and to maintain moisture.

If you want to freeze your chicken wrapped in bacon, use an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat your chicken wrapped in bacon, you can use the oven or the microwave. If using the oven, place the chicken in a baking dish and heat it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

Now you know how to store, freeze, and reheat your chicken wrapped in bacon! Enjoy your delicious meal, fresh or leftover!

Frequently asked questions