Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! This Turkey Bacon Wrapped Chicken is not just another bland protein dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the lean, juicy goodness of chicken with the crispy, savory embrace of turkey bacon. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners, this recipe promises to deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices turkey bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning and bacon adhere properly.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, gently pressing the spices into the meat.
- Take two slices of turkey bacon for each chicken breast and wrap them around the chicken, slightly overlapping the bacon to secure it. The bacon should cover most of the chicken's surface.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, which helps keep the meat moist.
- Optional: For crispier bacon, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Slice and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure the spices and bacon adhere perfectly.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) – no dry chicken here!
- Choose turkey bacon that's not too thin, as it helps create a better protective wrap around the chicken.
- For extra crispy bacon, don't skip the optional broiling step, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in those delicious juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends – try adding smoked paprika or Italian herbs for a flavor twist.
- If you want to reduce fat, you can use center-cut turkey bacon, which tends to be leaner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
