Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Bacon Chicken is a savory and sweet dish that brings together tender chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and a flavorful maple garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a touch of gourmet flair.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 8 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the bacon grease and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the olive oil in a large baking dish and place the chicken thighs in a single layer.
6. Step 6: Pour the maple garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the chicken.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust baking time to avoid drying out.
• Swap maple syrup for honey for a different subtle sweetness.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover garlic bacon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken moist. For best results, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Monitor the cooking time and check for doneness earlier.

Is there a substitute for bacon in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use bacon, crispy pancetta or smoked turkey bacon can be good alternatives to maintain a similar smoky flavor.

Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

Garlic Bacon Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs baked with a savory maple garlic sauce and crispy bacon. This recipe combines the sweetness of pure maple syrup with the robust flavors of garlic, smoked paprika, and soy sauce to create an irresistible main course perfect for any dinner.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 8 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it turns crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
3. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Prepare Sauce: Stir in the maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Prepare Baking Dish: Drizzle olive oil in a large baking dish and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
6. Add Sauce and Bacon: Pour the maple garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated, then sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.
7. Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Using boneless skinless chicken thighs ensures tender and juicy meat.
• Save some bacon grease for extra flavor when sautéing the garlic.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Keywords: Garlic bacon chicken, baked chicken thighs, maple garlic chicken, easy chicken dinner, savory baked chicken