Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that hits all the right notes—smoky, savory, with a hint of sweetness—this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I first tried making this on a summer weekend when my grill was calling my name, and honestly, it turned out way better than I expected. The magic here is how the bacon crisps up while wrapping the juicy, tender chicken that’s been soaking in barbecue sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy, but comes together so easily, making it perfect for casual family dinners or weekend barbecues with friends.

What I love most about this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re grilling outside or baking in your oven, it adapts effortlessly. Plus, it caters well to different diet needs when choosing the right ingredients. If you’ve been hunting for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s packed with flavor, yet simple enough for weeknight cooking, this one deserves a spot in your recipe arsenal.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients for this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create a balance of rich, smoky, and tangy flavors. Making sure you pick a barbecue sauce you love and good-quality bacon really pays off.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These cook relatively quickly and soak up the marinade well, making every bite tender without the fuss of bones.
• Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite—whether it’s smoky, spicy, or sweet—because this is where much of the flavor magic happens.
• Bacon Slices: Adds smokiness and crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the juicy chicken; thicker-cut bacon works especially well.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how easy it is to put your own spin on this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe. Whether you want to dial up the spice or make it lighter, it’s super adaptable and forgiving.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle cayenne to the barbecue sauce before marinating; it gives a nice heat that balances the sweetness.
• Herb-Infused: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme under the bacon elevates the dish with some herbal freshness—perfect if you want more complexity.
• Oven-Baked Version: When the weather’s off for grilling, I bake it in the oven, which keeps things just as tender and juicy without losing flavor.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and nitrate-free bacon to fit paleo or gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Start by trimming any excess fat or tendons from the chicken breasts. Pop them into a large zippered bag with 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal it up tight, then stow it in your fridge for at least 8 hours or, better yet, overnight. This slow soak lets the chicken soak up that saucy goodness, locking in moisture and taste.

Step 2: Wrap in Bacon and Secure

When you’re ready to cook, pull the chicken out and let it come close to room temperature. Then, wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon—overlapping just a bit so it holds nicely. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place so it won’t unravel during cooking. Pro tip: Don’t skip the toothpicks; it makes flipping so much easier and keeps everything neat.

Step 3: Grill or Bake to Juicy Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350ºF) or your oven to 375ºF if you’re baking. Place the bacon wrapped chicken on the grill or a foil-lined baking sheet if using the oven. Cook for roughly 10 minutes per side on the grill, or bake for 20–30 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165ºF. During the last few minutes, brush on the remaining barbecue sauce to build that sticky, finger-licking glaze we all love.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a fresh flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over at the table, which really brightens up the smoky, savory notes.

Side Dishes

This goes great with classic BBQ sides like grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, and baked beans. For a lighter option, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad and roasted sweet potatoes. Garlic mashed potatoes also make a cozy, comforting side that complements the smoky chicken beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to slice the bacon wrapped chicken breasts into medallions and arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs and mini dipping bowls of extra BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for entertaining and gets everyone chatting! Another favorite trick is serving it with grilled pineapple or peach slices for a sweet-savory contrast that’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (which sometimes happen, but rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually place a paper towel on the bottom to keep them from getting too soggy. They stay tasty for about 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the bacon wrapped BBQ chicken successfully when pre-cooked and cooled. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or store in freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, which helps maintain juiciness and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 15 minutes to bring back crispy bacon and warm up the chicken without drying it out. I avoid microwaving because it tends to make bacon rubbery. For quick reheats, you can also pop pieces in a skillet over medium heat, flipping gently until heated through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe quickly became one of my favorite easy dinners, and I hope it does the same for you. It delivers that perfect blend of flavors and textures with minimal fuss, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal and company. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new weeknight champion or the star of your next cookout!

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