Get ready to experience a flavor bomb with this Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken recipe. This dish promises a burst of flavor with each bite, combining the smoky flavor of bacon, the sweetness of brown sugar, and a little heat from chili powder. The recipe is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to serve at a dinner party. It's truly a dish that can cater to all taste buds.
While the ingredients list for this recipe might seem quite common, there's one you should be particular about. That's the bacon. Ensure to get good quality, thick-cut bacon. Regular bacon might become too crispy and lose its smoky flavor. Also, for the chili powder, pick according to your spice tolerance. If you're into deep heat, go for a hot variety, otherwise a mild one will do.
Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken
Chicken: A lean source of protein that becomes juicy and tender when baked.
Bacon: Provides a savory, smoky contrast to the sweetness in the dish. Thick-cut bacon is recommended.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a mild heat to the dish.
Garlic powder: Gives the dish a subtle, aromatic undertone.
Chili powder: Brings the heat to the dish, but can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Brown sugar: Balances out the savory and spicy flavors with a hint of sweetness.
One reader, Ina Garrison says:
This sweet and spicy bacon chicken recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is absolutely divine. The bacon adds a perfect crunch, and the sweet and spicy blend is just irresistible. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a little kick in their chicken dish.
Cooking Techniques to Master for This Recipe
How to season the chicken: Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder, then rub the mixture onto the chicken pieces to ensure even seasoning.
How to wrap the chicken with bacon: Lay a bacon slice on a flat surface, place a seasoned chicken piece at one end, then roll the bacon around the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered.
How to coat the chicken with brown sugar: Roll the bacon-wrapped chicken in brown sugar until it is evenly coated, adding a sweet and caramelized flavor to the dish.
How to bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, place the bacon-wrapped chicken in an oven-proof dish coated with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy.
How To Make Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken
Tender and loaded with flavor, this Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken is made of well-spiced and marinated chicken wrapped in bacon, baked to juicy perfection!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12pcschicken,(4 breasts) cut in thirds
- bacon slices
- salt and pepper,to taste
- garlic powder
- chili powder
- brown sugar
Instructions
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Cut each breast into 3 pieces, season all the chicken with the spices.
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Then wrap a bacon slice around each piece, roll in brown sugar, and place into an oven-proof dish.
-
Make sure to have some olive oil in the dish too, around 2 or 3 tablespoons, or coat the dish with nonstick cooking spray instead to save a few calories.
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Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and the bacon is nice, brown, and crispy.
Recipe Notes
This dish is also delicious served with mashed potatoes with some of the gravy from the chicken drizzled on top.
Nutrition
- Calories: 319.43kcal
- Fat: 24.99g
- Saturated Fat: 7.71g
- Trans Fat: 0.13g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.76g
- Carbohydrates: 1.99g
- Fiber: 0.09g
- Sugar: 1.67g
- Protein: 20.33g
- Cholesterol: 86.19mg
- Sodium: 279.47mg
- Calcium: 14.05mg
- Potassium: 233.00mg
- Iron: 0.97mg
- Vitamin A: 39.94µg
- Vitamin C: 1.43mg
One Simple Trick for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
When preparing the chicken, ensure that you wrap the bacon tightly around each piece. This will not only help the bacon to stick to the chicken during the baking process, but it will also ensure that the flavors of the bacon seep into the chicken, giving it a deliciously smoky and savory taste. Additionally, when rolling the bacon-wrapped chicken in brown sugar, make sure to press gently so that the sugar adheres to the bacon. This will create a caramelized crust on the bacon as it bakes, adding a sweet contrast to the savory and spicy flavors of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep ahead: Prepare the seasoning and cut the chicken and bacon the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a baking rack: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking rack over the dish to allow the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring crispy bacon and juicy chicken without the need for flipping.
Substitute Ingredients For Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken Recipe
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken in this recipe, providing a similar texture and taste.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta offers a similar salty and savory flavor to bacon, but with a slightly different texture, adding a delicious twist to the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can bring sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the dish, complementing the spiciness and adding a unique depth of flavor.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne: A combination of paprika and cayenne can replicate the heat and smokiness of chili powder, providing a balanced spiciness to the dish.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Using fresh minced garlic can enhance the flavor profile of the dish, providing a more intense and aromatic garlic taste compared to garlic powder.
salt and pepper - Substitute with seasoned salt: Seasoned salt can add an extra layer of flavor with a blend of spices, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Plating Ideas for a Delicious Presentation
Elevate the plating: Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken pieces in a circular pattern on a large, white, round plate, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley and a drizzle of honey to add a pop of color and enhance the overall visual appeal.
Create height and dimension: Place the chicken pieces strategically on the plate, ensuring that they are stacked to create an elegant and visually striking presentation.
Utilize negative space: Leave some areas of the plate empty to allow the dish to breathe and create a sense of balance and sophistication.
Add a touch of elegance with edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, around the dish to add a delicate and luxurious touch to the presentation.
Incorporate a complementary side dish: Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken alongside a small portion of roasted seasonal vegetables, adding depth and variety to the overall presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the dish on a sleek, modern serving platter or a stylish ceramic plate to elevate the overall dining experience for the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
- Knife: Used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Baking dish: Used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing marinades or sauces.
- Basting brush: Used for applying marinades or sauces onto the chicken.
- Oven-proof dish: A dish that can be safely used in the oven for baking and roasting.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Used for coating baking dishes to prevent sticking.
- Tongs: Useful for handling and flipping the chicken pieces while cooking.
- Baking sheet: Provides a flat, even surface for baking the chicken.
- Aluminum foil: Can be used to cover the baking dish or baking sheet to prevent excessive browning.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Leftovers
Allow the sweet and spicy bacon chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and maintain the quality of the dish.
For short-term storage, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the bacon-wrapped chicken, follow these steps:
- Place the cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is frozen solid. This initial freezing step prevents the pieces from sticking together when stored.
- Once frozen, transfer the chicken pieces to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the frozen sweet and spicy bacon chicken in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the stored or frozen chicken:
- For refrigerated chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- For frozen chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating to crisp up the bacon.
Note that the quality of the chicken may slightly deteriorate after freezing and reheating, as the texture of the bacon may change. However, the flavor should remain delicious.
The Best Ways to Reheat Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover sweet and spicy bacon chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the bacon is crispy again. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and keeps the bacon crisp.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can become rubbery. The damp paper towel helps to prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover sweet and spicy bacon chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken pieces in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the bacon is crispy again. This method is quick and helps to maintain the crispiness of the bacon.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and the bacon is crispy. This method allows you to quickly reheat the chicken and helps to maintain the crispiness of the bacon.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated sweet and spicy bacon chicken, you can brush the pieces with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and sriracha before reheating. This will give the chicken a sweet, savory, and spicy glaze that complements the existing flavors.
Interesting Trivia About Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken
Bacon chicken is a popular dish in the southern United States, known for its combination of sweet and spicy flavors. It is often served at family gatherings and barbecues, and is a favorite among many for its delicious taste and easy preparation.
Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy?
The cost-effectiveness of this sweet and spicy bacon chicken recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. Chicken and bacon are generally affordable, while spices and brown sugar are pantry staples. The dish's versatility and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a worthwhile investment. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20. The sweet and spicy bacon chicken recipe earns a solid 8/10 for its balance of cost, flavor, and ease of preparation.
Is This Dish Healthy or Not So Much?
This sweet and spicy bacon chicken recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe calls for wrapping each chicken piece in bacon, which is high in saturated fat and sodium. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- The chicken is rolled in brown sugar, adding extra calories and sugar to the dish. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
- The recipe doesn't include any vegetables or fiber-rich ingredients, which are essential for a balanced meal.
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without sacrificing flavor:
- Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, as it is lower in fat and calories.
- Replace some of the brown sugar with a sugar substitute or omit it altogether. You can also try using a small amount of honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
- Reduce the amount of bacon used per chicken piece, or wrap the chicken in prosciutto for a leaner option.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal.
- Experiment with different spice blends to add flavor without relying on sugar. Try using smoked paprika, cumin, or herbs like rosemary and thyme.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a more balanced version of this sweet and spicy bacon chicken recipe without compromising on taste.
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Dish
This sweet and spicy bacon chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The savory bacon complements the tender chicken, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness. The blend of garlic and chili powder provides a nice kick of heat, creating a well-balanced dish. The cooking method ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful, while the bacon becomes crispy and caramelized. Overall, this recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Enhance Your Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience, combining the succulent tenderness of chicken with the irresistible smokiness of bacon. The harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, enhanced by the perfect balance of salt and pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder, promises a culinary delight. The caramelized brown sugar adds a delightful crunch, elevating the dish to a whole new level. With the assurance of a perfectly cooked, juicy chicken and crispy bacon, this recipe is a testament to the art of culinary expertise.
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