Imagine a dish that combines the crispy, savory crunch of bacon with the tender juiciness of perfectly cooked chicken, all elevated by the aromatic magic of fresh sage. This Bacon Wrapped Sage Chicken is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet home-cooked delight, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both elegant and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the bacon will crisp up properly. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place two fresh sage leaves on top of each chicken breast, gently pressing them to adhere to the surface.
- Carefully wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, ensuring the sage leaves remain in place. Wrap the bacon slightly overlapping to secure it around the chicken.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece to allow even cooking and air circulation.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- If you want extra crispy bacon, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
- Slice and serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh sage leaves if desired.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure the bacon gets wonderfully crisp.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Choose thick-cut bacon for better coverage and crispier results.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each chicken breast space for even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and prevent drying out.
- For extra flavor, consider briefly frying the sage leaves before placing them on the chicken to intensify their herbaceous notes.
- If you prefer less fat, you can use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg