Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent chicken breasts, wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon sauce that will make your taste buds dance! This Maple Bacon Dijon Chicken Breasts recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the flavors of American cuisine to your dinner table in just 35 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish combines savory and sweet elements for a delightful culinary adventure. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow fat to drip during cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure crisp bacon and proper seasoning adherence. Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard until thoroughly combined, creating a glaze that will provide sweet and tangy flavor.
- Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon covers most of the chicken surface. Secure bacon with toothpicks if necessary to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Place bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Brush each chicken breast generously with the maple-Dijon glaze, reserving some glaze for later basting.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with remaining glaze halfway through cooking.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which ensures moist and tender meat.
- Remove toothpicks, slice chicken, and serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh cracked pepper or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Patience is Key: Make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy bacon texture and ensuring the seasoning sticks well.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! A good seasoning will enhance the flavors of the chicken and the bacon, making each bite irresistible.
- Perfect Bacon Wrap: When wrapping the bacon around the chicken, overlap the slices slightly to ensure complete coverage. This helps keep the chicken moist while adding an extra layer of flavor.
- Use a Wire Rack: Elevating the chicken on a wire rack allows the fat from the bacon to drip away, promoting even cooking and preventing sogginess.
- Baste for Extra Flavor: Don’t forget to baste the chicken with the maple-Dijon glaze halfway through cooking. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This step is essential for juicy, tender meat, as it lets the juices redistribute.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper or chopped parsley just before serving can elevate the dish’s presentation, making it even more appetizing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 264kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
