Save This
These sweet and salty bacon-wrapped chicken strips turn basic chicken into a mouthwatering treat that's gone within minutes of serving. The mix of juicy chicken covered in crispy bacon with a sweet brown sugar coating makes for an amazing flavor combo that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
I whipped these up for a Super Bowl party once, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now they're my go-to dish whenever I need something that'll definitely wow the crowd at potlucks or family get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: this leaner cut works better so the dish isn't too heavy when combined with the bacon
- Brown sugar: gives you that amazing sweet glaze that makes these chicken strips stand out
- Kosher salt: brings out all the tastes and cuts through the sweetness
- Ground black pepper: adds a nice bit of spice and complexity
- Bacon strips: go for medium thickness for the best outcome, since thin bacon might burn and thick bacon might stay too soft
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Get your oven warmed up to 375°F before you start working with the chicken. This temp helps the bacon get crispy while keeping your chicken nice and juicy.
- Slice Chicken:
- Cut each chicken breast into 4 long strips. Try to make them about the same size so they'll cook evenly. If you've got really thick chicken breasts, you might want to flatten them a bit first.
- Season Chicken:
- Mix the brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then roll the chicken strips in it until they're fully covered. Make sure you don't miss any spots when coating the pieces.
- Wrap With Bacon:
- Take each sugary chicken strip and wrap bacon around it from end to end in a spiral. The sticky sugar mixture helps keep everything in place as you wrap.
- Arrange And Sprinkle:
- Put the wrapped strips in a baking dish with some room between them. Toss any leftover sugar mix on top to get more of that yummy caramelized coating.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye on them toward the end. The bacon should look crispy and the sugar should be bubbling. Check that chicken reaches 165°F inside to be safe.
Save This
Brown sugar really works wonders in this dish. I tried using maple syrup once instead, but it just wasn't the same. There's something special about how brown sugar turns into that sticky, shiny coating that makes these chicken strips totally addictive.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon-wrapped strips go great with a simple green salad to cut through the richness. The mix of sweet, savory meat and fresh, tangy greens makes for a complete meal. For something heartier, serve them with roasted veggies or creamy garlic mashed potatoes that can soak up the tasty glaze.
Make Ahead Tips
You can get these ready up to 24 hours before cooking. Just wrap your seasoned chicken in bacon, put them in a covered container in the fridge, and bake when you're ready. If you've prepped them ahead, let them sit out for about 15 minutes before baking so they'll cook more evenly.
Flavor Variations
The standard brown sugar version is amazing, but you can switch things up for different tastes. Add some chili powder to the sugar mix for a spicy-sweet combo, or mix in a bit of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick. If you love garlic, throw some garlic powder into the sugar coating.
Storage Instructions
Keep any extras in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them back up in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until they're heated through. You can microwave them if you're in a hurry, but the oven helps keep some of the bacon crispiness. They also freeze well for up to 2 months if wrapped properly.
Common Queries
- → Can I swap in turkey bacon for this recipe?
You can definitely use turkey bacon instead. Just keep in mind it won't get as crispy as regular bacon, so you might need to cook it a bit differently for the right texture.
- → How do I stop the sugar coating from getting too dark?
Make sure your oven isn't too hot and keep the chicken away from the top heating element. You can also try using baking paper or a wire rack to help it cook more evenly.
- → Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
You can wrap the chicken in bacon and add the sugar mix a few hours early, then put it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven right before you want to eat it for the best results.
- → What foods go well with this chicken?
This chicken tastes great with roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to make a complete meal.
- → When is the chicken fully cooked?
The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. You'll also notice the bacon looks crispy and golden around it.