Bbq Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: The Ultimate Guide

how to bbq bacon wrapped chicken breast

Bacon-wrapped chicken breasts are a delicious meal that can be cooked in the oven or on the grill. The bacon adds flavour and moisture to the chicken, and the dish can be served with a variety of sides.

Characteristics Values
Preparation Preheat oven/grill, season chicken, wrap in bacon, cook, add sauce, cook until done
Chicken Boneless or bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
Bacon Thick-cut, thin-cut or classic bacon
Seasoning Barbecue seasoning, salt, pepper, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, spicy chili seasoning
Sauce BBQ sauce, ketchup, maple syrup, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, brown sugar
Cooking Method Oven, grill, air fryer
Cooking Time 25-40 minutes
Cooking Temperature 350-400°F
Internal Temperature 165°F

shungrill

How to cook chicken wrapped in bacon on a grill

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Bacon
  • BBQ sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Soy sauce
  • Oil
  • Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, etc.)
  • Toothpicks

Method:

  • Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, setting it up for two-zone cooking. This means having one side with direct heat and the other with indirect heat.
  • Wrap each chicken breast in 2-3 slices of bacon, using toothpicks to secure the bacon if necessary.
  • Mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, oil, and seasonings in a small bowl.
  • Use a pastry or grill brush to coat the chicken breasts in the marinade.
  • Place the chicken on the indirect heat side of the grill and cook for around 15 minutes on each side, basting with additional marinade as you go.
  • Once the chicken is almost cooked through, move it to the direct heat side of the grill to crisp up the bacon.
  • Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

shungrill

How to cook chicken wrapped in bacon in an oven

This guide will show you how to cook chicken wrapped in bacon in an oven, a simple and delicious meal that will be a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

To cook chicken wrapped in bacon, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Bacon
  • Barbecue seasoning or spices (e.g. chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder)
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Brown sugar (optional)
  • Butter (optional)
  • Toothpicks (optional)

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with tinfoil and a rack coated in cooking spray, or use a broiler pan or oven-safe grill pan.

If you want to add extra flavour, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until the edges begin to crisp (around 5 minutes). Drain the bacon on paper towels. You can also add brown sugar or cooled melted butter to the bacon – see the recipe variations section below for more details.

Wrapping the chicken

Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon. You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon if necessary. Try to stretch the bacon so that the ends are underneath each chicken breast.

Cooking

Place the wrapped chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet and cook for around 30 minutes. Check the underside of the chicken and decide if you need to flip the chicken over – this will ensure the bacon is cooked on the bottom of each breast. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Adding barbecue sauce

Paint a generous amount of barbecue sauce all over the chicken breasts and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink inside.

Finishing

Turn the oven to broil for the last few minutes to crisp up the bacon if necessary.

Recipe variations

There are several ways to add extra flavour to this dish. You can add brown sugar by covering a slice of bacon with a layer of brown sugar, placing the chicken piece on top, and slowly rolling the chicken breast over the brown sugar-covered bacon. Alternatively, you can pile brown sugar on top of the chicken breast and wrap the bacon around it.

Another option is to dip the chicken breast into cooled, melted butter and then press it into brown sugar, creating a thick layer of brown sugar on the chicken. You can then wrap the bacon strips around the chicken.

Tips

  • If you want to add barbecue sauce, it's best to use a thicker sauce. You can use a sweet and spicy sauce, or a classic mesquite or hickory barbecue sauce.
  • This recipe can be adapted using boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders – just be aware that these cuts will take different amounts of time to cook.
  • If you want to add extra flavour, try marinating the chicken before wrapping it in bacon.

shungrill

How to make a sweet and tangy glaze

Ingredients

  • Heinz Tomato Ketchup
  • Real maple syrup
  • Mustard (you can use grainy Dijon mustard or regular yellow mustard)
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Chives
  • Brown sugar (optional)

Method

  • If you are using brown sugar, you can either lay a slice of bacon flat on a cutting board and cover it with a layer of brown sugar, then place your chicken piece on top and slowly roll your chicken breast over the brown sugar-covered bacon slice. Alternatively, you can pile brown sugar all over the top of the chicken breast, then wrap the bacon slice around it.
  • Blend ketchup with maple syrup, mustard, lemon juice, and garlic.
  • Brush the sauce all over the chicken.
  • Place the chicken on the grill and grill, turning and basting with the remaining sauce until the bacon is almost crisp or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Squeeze lemon wedges over the chicken and sprinkle with chives.
  • Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Tips

  • You can also try wrapping the chicken breasts in sliced prosciutto instead of regular bacon.
  • For a club-style sandwich, place the chicken on crusty rolls. Top with sliced tomato, pickle, cheese, and ketchup.

shungrill

How to make a brown sugar BBQ sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons molasses
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons ground mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Method:

  • Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to boil.
  • Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and use immediately, or allow to cool and transfer to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.

Tips:

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, cut back on the brown sugar.

Variations:

  • For a smokier flavour, add a tablespoon of molasses.
  • For extra spice, include the red pepper flakes, or add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of chilli powder.
  • For a more intense flavour and better texture, bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 1 minute before allowing it to cool.
  • This sauce can also be frozen for later use. Transfer it to a freezer bag, remove excess air, secure the bag, and lay it flat in the freezer for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Brush the sauce onto your meat of choice or use it as a dipping sauce.
  • Try it with bacon-wrapped barbecue chicken tenders, or use it to glaze bacon-wrapped barbecue chicken breasts.

shungrill

How to make a homemade BBQ sauce

Now, for the homemade BBQ sauce.

There are many different recipes for BBQ sauce, but they all share some common ingredients: ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Here's a simple recipe that you can try:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon stone house seasoning (or a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic)
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 2 - 4 tablespoons mustard (optional)
  • 2 - 4 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)
  • 2 - 4 teaspoons onion powder (optional)
  • 2 - 4 teaspoons chili powder (optional)
  • 2 - 4 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

  • Whisk all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Bring the mixture to a bubble, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and deepen the flavors.
  • Allow the sauce to cool, then pour it into an airtight container, such as a mason jar.
  • Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Feel free to adjust the measurements and add your own twist to the recipe. You can also try adding ingredients like mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, or even liquid smoke. Play around with different combinations and find your perfect BBQ sauce!

Frequently asked questions

You can cook bacon-wrapped chicken in the oven or on a grill. If you are using a grill, it is recommended to use two-zone cooking, with one side at high heat and the other with no heat. This will allow the chicken to cook through without burning the bacon.

Depending on the thickness of the chicken, it should take around 30 minutes in the oven at 350-400°F. On a grill, it should take around 15 minutes on each side on medium-high heat. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon to the chicken before cooking.

It is recommended to use raw bacon. Cooked bacon will overcook and burn by the time the chicken is done.

Baked potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, zucchini, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans are all great side options.

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