Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with Garlicky Broccoli: A Complete Guide
A fuss-free approach to packing bold, smoky flavors and crisp veggies into every bite.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with Garlicky Broccoli: The Complete Guide
Bacon-wrapped chicken is an irresistible dinner that marries smoky, crisp bacon with tender, juicy chicken breasts, all finished with a kiss of maple and served alongside vibrant, garlicky broccoli. This guide walks you through the whole process, offering detailed steps, expert tips, and ideas for customizing your meal for any table. Whether you’re new to oven-baked chicken or a bacon enthusiast, this recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High Flavour Impact: Bacon keeps the chicken juicy while infusing it with smoky richness.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: Assembly is quick, baking is hands-off, and the sides use familiar techniques and ingredients.
- Balanced Dinner: You’ll get savory protein and a fresh vegetable for a one-pan meal.
- Great Texture: Crisp bacon outside, succulent chicken inside, and tender-crisp broccoli.
- Customizable: Adapt the spices, vegetables, or even the sweet glaze to suit your family’s tastes.
Ingredients
| For the Chicken | For the Garlicky Broccoli |
|---|---|
|
|
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Place racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven.
- Preheat to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Season the Chicken:
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle this blend evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each chicken breast in two bacon slices, slightly overlapping at the ends to avoid gaps, but without double-layering.
- Arrange the wrapped chicken on a rimmed baking sheet, tucking loose bacon ends underneath to secure.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place on the lower oven rack.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through and the bacon is rendered and starting to crisp.
- Crisp and Glaze:
- Switch your oven to the broil setting.
- Brush each bacon-wrapped breast with maple syrup for a subtle sweetness and shine.
- Broil on the upper rack for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the bacon is deeply crisp and caramelized.
- Prepare the Garlicky Broccoli:
- While the chicken bakes, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
- Add broccoli florets and toss until bright green, 2–3 minutes.
- Add sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook, tossing, until garlic sizzles (about 1 minute).
- Pour in 1/2 cup water and bring to a simmer. Cover; cook 4–5 minutes, until broccoli is fork-tender.
- Uncover and increase heat to high. Cook off any excess liquid for 1 minute.
- Serve:
- Arrange bacon-wrapped chicken on plates with a generous pile of garlicky broccoli.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and to prevent burning during the bake.
- Don’t overlap the bacon too much. This helps it cook evenly and crisp all over.
- Secure loose ends under the chicken to keep the bacon in place as it cooks.
- Broil at the end but keep a close eye to avoid burning the sugars in the maple syrup.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning for better browning.
Variations and Additions
- Swap seasonings: Try smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or Italian herbs for different flavor profiles.
- Add a cheese layer: For a melty surprise, tuck a slice of mozzarella or cheddar under the bacon before wrapping.
- Extra sweetness: Substitute honey or brown sugar for maple syrup, or skip sweetener entirely for a fully savory version.
- Vegetable swap: Use asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower as an alternative to broccoli. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Spicy twist: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or use hot honey in the glaze for a kick.
Nutritional Information (Estimates Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 420 | 48g | 22g | 6g | 3g | 980mg |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific brands and exact portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Starchy sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a bed of wild rice for a hearty meal.
- Fresh salads: Add a crisp green salad or coleslaw for refreshing contrast.
- Grain bowls: Try slicing the chicken and serving it over quinoa or farro with extra broccoli and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep ahead: Season and wrap chicken a few hours before dinner. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storing leftovers: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet or 325ºF oven until heated through. To recrisp bacon, broil briefly just before serving.
- Freezing: Assemble and freeze (uncooked), then thaw in the fridge before baking as directed.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well. Adjust cook time down slightly as thighs are usually smaller and cook faster.
Q: Will the chicken be fully cooked if the bacon is crispy?
A: As long as you bake until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF (74ºC), it will be fully cooked. Always check with a meat thermometer for safety.
Q: How do I make sure the bacon gets crispy all over?
A: Don’t overlap the bacon, use thick-cut slices, and finish under the broiler for the last few minutes.
Q: Can I use a different glaze instead of maple syrup?
A: Honey, agave, or a little brown sugar dissolved in water all work well for glazing.
Q: What other vegetables can I pair with the chicken?
A: Roasted carrots, sautéed green beans, or even a cheesy cauliflower gratin are delicious options.
Expert Tips for Meal Prep & Success
- Double up and batch: Make a double recipe and save leftovers for salads or sandwiches the next day.
- Cut into portions: For parties or snacks, slice cooked bacon-wrapped chicken into thick rounds and serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce.
- Marinate for deeper flavor: Sprinkle the seasoning mix, cover, and refrigerate the chicken for up to 4 hours before wrapping and baking.
Try These Recipe Variations
- Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Cut a small pocket into each breast and stuff with pepper jack cheese, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes before wrapping with bacon.
- Southwest Style: Rub chicken with taco seasonings, then wrap. Serve with black beans and corn salsa.
- Mediterranean Version: Add oregano, lemon zest, and a slice of feta inside before wrapping. Serve with roasted bell peppers.
Final Thoughts
With its irresistible aroma, golden-brown bacon, and juicy chicken, this bacon-wrapped chicken with garlicky broccoli is sure to become a weeknight favorite. The recipe’s simple technique guarantees impressive results every time, and the options for variation keep it fresh. Gather your ingredients, set your oven, and treat your table to comfort-food perfection tonight!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a41545219/bacon-wrapped-chicken-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11726/ranch-style-chicken/
- https://www.everydaysouthwest.com/bacon-wrapped-chicken-jalapeno-thingies-on-the-grill-inspired-by-the-pioneer-woman/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65437064/chicken-bacon-recipes/
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Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.
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Read full bio of Sneha Tete
