Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Hey friend, if you’re craving a dish that brings smoky, sweet, and savory all in one bite, this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. There’s just something about tender, juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and slathered in tangy barbecue sauce that never fails to impress. I love making this recipe for weekend cookouts or casual family dinners when I want something that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off.

One of the things I appreciate most about this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe is how hands-off it is once you’ve prepped it and let the flavors soak in during the marinade. Whether you grill it up on a sunny day or bake it indoors, this recipe perks up any meal with its irresistible combination of textures and smoky-sweet goodness. I promise you, once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe keeps things delightfully simple with ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Choose quality barbecue sauce and thick-cut bacon for best results, and fresh chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and evenly, plus they’re perfect for wrapping with bacon.
• Barbecue sauce: Pick a sauce you love—whether smoky, spicy, or sweet—because it’s the star flavor in the marinade and glaze.
• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon wraps snugly around the chicken, adding crunchy texture and smoky flavor.

Make It Your Way

I usually stick to the classic BBQ sauce, but I’m all about encouraging you to make this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe your own. Switch up the sauce or add your favorite spices to the marinade for a fresh twist every time.

• Variation: One time, I swapped classic barbecue sauce for a spicy chipotle version and loved the smoky kick it added—give it a try if you like heat!
• Diet-Friendly: Using sugar-free BBQ sauce and nitrate-free bacon keeps this recipe paleo and gluten-free friendly.
• Herbal Boost: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme under the bacon before wrapping amps up the aroma and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken to Perfection

Start by trimming any excess fat or tendons off your chicken breasts. Then, place them in a sealable plastic bag with 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce. Seal it up tight, pressing out extra air, and pop it into the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. This slow soak helps the flavors penetrate deeply, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Wrap Each Breast with Bacon

Before cooking, take the marinated chicken breasts out of the bag and let the excess marinade drip off. Wrap each piece tightly with two slices of bacon, overlapping them a bit so they don’t unravel on the grill. Secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep everything snug and in place during cooking. This step is key if you want that beautiful bacon crust.

Step 3: Grill or Bake Until Perfect

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes on each side. Aim for an internal temperature of 165ºF to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce for a glossy, flavorful finish. If you’re not into grilling, no worries—place the wrapped chicken breasts on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 375ºF for 20-30 minutes until done.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle this dish with some chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the richness from the bacon and BBQ sauce—simple but effective!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this chicken are creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and some buttery garlic mashed potatoes. These sides complement the smoky BBQ flavors perfectly without competing for attention.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve sliced the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts into medallions and served them on a wooden board alongside pickled veggies and small bowls of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. It makes for a beautiful sharing platter that feels both rustic and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy, and the bacon remains flavorful, making it an easy next-day meal or lunch.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead and freeze, wrap each bacon-covered chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the leftovers in a 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the bacon crispy and the chicken moist—microwaving can turn bacon chewy, so I avoid it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe is close to my heart because it’s my go-to when I want to wow a crowd without stressing over complicated steps. The combination of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and that tangy BBQ glaze is comfort food at its finest. I hope you give it a try soon—there’s nothing like biting into crispy bacon and juicy chicken all at once, especially when shared with good company!

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