Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe to wow your friends or simply treat your family, trust me, you’re in the right place. This recipe combines the smoky, savory goodness of bacon with juicy, tender chicken that’s been lovingly soaked in barbecue sauce. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that works wonders for backyard barbecues, easy weeknight dinners, or even casual get-togethers.

What makes this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe stand out to me is how ridiculously flavorful it is without being complicated. Marinating the chicken overnight lets all that tangy BBQ sauce soak in, and then wrapping it in bacon locks in the juiciness while adding a crispy, salty finish. Plus, it’s flexible enough whether you’re grilling outside or just pulling out your oven—perfect for any occasion or season!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe plays its part to create an irresistible balance of flavors. Let’s quickly unpack why these work so well together and a couple tips when shopping for the best results.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook evenly and are easy to wrap with bacon; just choose plump breasts for juicier meat.
• Barbecue sauce: The marinade and glaze add a sweet and tangy punch—look for your favorite brand or homemade for extra personal touch.
• Bacon slices: Adds essential smokiness and locks moisture in; thicker cuts work best to avoid shrinking too much during cooking.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe depending on the mood or season. Whether you want it a bit spicy, smoky, or even sweetened up, there are plenty of ways to make this your own.

• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika to your barbecue sauce for an extra kick – I did this recently and it seriously elevated the flavor.
• Swap the bacon: Turkey bacon or even prosciutto are delicious alternatives if you want something lighter or different textures.
• Go sugar-free: Use a sugar-free or paleo-friendly barbecue sauce for a healthier twist without sacrificing all that tangy flavor.
• Make it sticky sweet: Brush on maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an irresistible glaze – trust me, it’s worth a try!

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by trimming any excess fat or loose bits from your chicken breasts, then place them in a large zippered bag with about 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce. Seal that bag up tightly and pop it in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight. This low-and-slow flavor soak is what makes the chicken seriously tasty and tender—don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Wrap Each Breast with Bacon

When you’re ready to cook, unwrap the chicken breasts and save that marinade. Take two slices of bacon per breast and wrap snugly around the chicken, securing each with toothpicks so it holds its shape on the grill or in the oven. This wrapping step seals in moisture, gives the chicken a wonderful smoky flavor, and creates a crispy exterior that’s just irresistible.

Step 3: Grill or Bake to Perfection

Heat up your grill to medium-high and place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on it. Grill for about 10 minutes on each side, keeping an eye on the bacon to avoid flare-ups. During the last few minutes, brush with the remaining barbecue sauce for that glossy finish. If you don’t want to grill, simply line a baking sheet with foil and bake in a preheated 375ºF oven for 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165ºF.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to add a little pop of color and fresh brightness. Sometimes, a few thin slices of red onion or pickled jalapeños on the side give a nice tangy contrast that pairs really well with the smoky bacon and sweet barbecue sauce.

Side Dishes

When I serve this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe, corn on the cob and a tangy coleslaw are my go-to sides—they balance out the richness perfectly. Roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh mixed green salad also work beautifully if you want something lighter but still satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the chicken into medallions after cooking and arrange them on a large platter with drizzles of extra barbecue sauce and garnished with herbs. Serving it on a rustic wooden board alongside grilled veggies and dipping sauces takes your presentation to the next level—and always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When keeping the bacon wrapped on the chicken, it helps lock in moisture so reheated chicken stays juicy rather than drying out, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknight lunches.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe a couple of times—just wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and then grill or bake as usual. It’s surprisingly good after freezing, making it a convenient freezer meal option.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming in the oven at 350ºF wrapped in foil to keep it moist, about 15-20 minutes. This method revives the bacon’s crispiness and warms the chicken evenly without drying it out. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can sometimes result in toughness, so oven reheating is your best bet.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-tos because it’s easy, delicious, and feels like a bit of a celebration every time I make it. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—whether it’s for a casual family dinner or impressing guests at your next barbecue. Give it a try and tweak it to make it yours; there’s just something about that bacon-wrapped goodness that makes every bite worth it!

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