Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe
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
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)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- 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.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- 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.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Drizzle olive oil in a large baking dish and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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