🥓 Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast

This easy recipe uses just a few ingredients but feels like something you’d get at a steakhouse. You can season the chicken simply or stuff it with cream cheese or cheese & herbs for a surprise inside. It’s gluten-free, kid-approved, and makes a perfect centerpiece for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

🛒 What You’ll Need

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices of bacon (2 per chicken breast)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/4 cup cream cheese + 1/4 cup shredded cheddar (for stuffing)

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

Use thin-cut bacon so it crisps up evenly.
Tuck the ends of the bacon under or secure with toothpicks to keep it wrapped tight.
Sear before baking for extra crispy bacon and color.
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
Add a touch of brown sugar to the outside if you want sweet-savory flavor.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

Baking dish or cast iron skillet
Tongs
Toothpicks (optional)
Meat thermometer
Cutting board and knife

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

Cheese-stuffed: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese mixed with herbs inside each breast.
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce before wrapping.
Sweet-savory: Sprinkle with brown sugar or brush with maple syrup before baking.
Low sodium: Use reduced-sodium bacon and adjust seasoning.

⏱️ Make Ahead Tips

Assemble and wrap the chicken up to 1 day ahead—cover and refrigerate.
You can also pre-cook bacon slightly to speed up crisping during baking.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Season Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each chicken breast with 2 strips of bacon, overlapping slightly. Tuck ends underneath or secure with toothpicks.

3. Optional Sear

(Recommended) Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear bacon-wrapped chicken 2 minutes per side until browned.

4. Bake

Transfer to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and bacon is crisp.

5. Rest & Serve

Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve with your favorite side.

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer for crispy bacon.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months (wrap tightly in foil and freeze).

💬 Final Thoughts

This bacon-wrapped chicken is a flavor bomb that takes everyday chicken to the next level—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and totally dinner-worthy. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, salad, or roasted veggies, it’s a hit every time.