Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for that perfect crowd-pleaser that balances smoky, sweet, and savory all in one bite, this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I love how the smoky bacon crisps up around tender, juicy chicken slathered in tangy barbecue sauce—it’s like a flavor party in your mouth each time. Whether it’s a weekend grill session or a casual dinner, this recipe always impresses without any fuss.

What really makes this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe stand out for me is the simplicity and versatility. You marinate the chicken to soak up all those BBQ flavors, then wrap it in bacon for that irresistible crisp and added richness. It’s a recipe you can trust to turn an ordinary meal into something memorable, especially when you’re craving something hearty but not complicated.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are straightforward but mighty effective together—the chicken acts as the juicy base, barbecue sauce gives you that classic tang and sweetness, and the bacon wraps it up with irresistible smoky crispiness. When shopping, I always pick thick-cut bacon and a barbecue sauce you enjoy eating by itself—that way, all the flavors sing.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts to cook more evenly; trimming excess fat helps the bacon crisp up beautifully.
• Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite kind—whether smoky, spicy, or sweet—because it really sets the tone for this dish.
• Bacon slices: Thick-cut bacon works best here as it crisps without burning and holds the chicken snugly.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love encouraging you to play around with this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe to make it your own. The great thing? It’s a forgiving dish, so don’t hesitate to swap out barbecue sauces or add a dash of your favorite spices. Just remember to keep the bacon as the hero for that crunch and smoky flair!

• Spicy Variation: I tried adding a little hot sauce or cayenne powder to the marinade for a zesty kick, perfect when you want a bit of heat.
• Herb Twist: Mixing fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the barbecue sauce lifts the flavor in a lovely unexpected way.
• Different Cuts: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts gives a bit more juiciness if you prefer darker meat.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

First things first, trim your chicken breasts and place them in a zippered bag along with 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce. I like to massage the bag a bit to make sure every piece is coated well. This step is when the magic happens — letting the chicken soak up that tangy, smoky flavor for at least 8 hours or overnight makes a huge difference in taste and juiciness.

Step 2: Wrap and Secure with Bacon

Once your chicken is marinated and ready, it’s time to wrap each breast with two slices of bacon. I usually start wrapping near one end, spiraling the bacon neatly around the chicken, then secure it with toothpicks so everything stays put while cooking. This keeps the bacon snug and helps it crisp without slipping off.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the bacon-wrapped chicken on the grate. Cook for about 10 minutes per side, keeping an eye on the bacon—it should get nice and crispy while the chicken cooks through. I always double-check with a meat thermometer to ensure it hits 165ºF internally, so it’s juicy and safe. During the last few minutes, brush on that extra barbecue sauce to boost flavor and help caramelize the exterior.

Step 4: Alternative Oven Method

If grilling isn’t an option, no worries! Line a baking sheet with foil, place the wrapped breasts on it, and bake at 375ºF for 20-30 minutes depending on thickness. Keep an eye on the bacon and chicken, broiling for a few minutes at the end helps crisp up the bacon perfectly.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish this dish with some freshly chopped parsley or green onions—they add a fresh pop of color and a subtle bite that contrasts nicely with the smoky richness. Sometimes a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime on the side brightens things up really well too.

Side Dishes

Serving this with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad works beautifully. If you’re in a carb mood, buttery mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf round out the plate perfectly and soak up all the delicious BBQ sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the bias and fan them out over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. Adding a drizzle of warmed barbecue sauce and a few fresh herb sprigs makes the dish look as good as it tastes—guests always ask for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I find they keep well for up to 3 days and still taste delicious when reheated carefully. Just remove the toothpicks before storing to keep things safe and easy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked bacon wrapped BBQ chicken before by wrapping individual pieces tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They last up to 2 months this way. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to preserve that crispy bacon texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a 350ºF oven for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered, which helps the bacon crisp back up instead of getting soggy. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that satisfying texture—trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something that’s impressively flavorful but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all day. The way the bacon hugs the chicken while locking in juiciness and BBQ goodness is something you won’t easily forget. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself making it again and again—just like I do when I want a simple yet crave-worthy meal.

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