Have you ever craved a juicy chicken breast but wanted something a little more exciting? Imagine biting into tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, all infused with smoky flavors from the grill. It’s a delicious combination that can elevate any meal and impress your friends at the next barbecue.
Key Takeaways
- Select Fresh Ingredients: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thick-cut bacon for optimal flavor and texture.
- Marinate for Flavor: Enhance the chicken’s taste by marinating it in olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings for at least 30 minutes.
- Proper Wrapping Technique: Wrap chicken breasts tightly with bacon, ensuring the ends overlap and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Grill at Ideal Temperature: Preheat the grill to medium heat (350°F to 400°F) and cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust for Crispiness: For extra crispy bacon, increase cooking time slightly and consider finishing under high heat for the last few minutes.
Ingredients Required
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for cooking bacon-wrapped chicken breast on the grill. Here’s what you need for a flavorful dish.
Chicken Breasts
Choose two to four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, weighing about 6 to 8 ounces each. Ensure the chicken is fresh and trim any excess fat. This ensures even cooking and a better texture.
Bacon
Select 8 to 12 slices of thick-cut bacon. The extra thickness adds crunch and flavor. Depending on your chicken breast size, adjust the number of bacon slices to wrap each piece fully.
Seasonings and Marinades
Pick a combination of seasonings to enhance flavor. Use:
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for basic seasoning.
- Pepper: ½ teaspoon for a bit of heat.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon for depth.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon for a smoky kick.
Consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in olive oil, lemon juice, and your preferred herbs for added zest. Customize the marinade with flavors like Italian seasoning, honey, or mustard, depending on your preference.
Preparation Steps
Preparing bacon-wrapped chicken breast for grilling involves a few straightforward steps to ensure the dish turns out deliciously. Follow these instructions to set yourself up for success.
Prepping the Chicken
- Select Your Chicken: Choose 2 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each weighing 6 to 8 ounces.
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika in a bowl. Coat the chicken breasts in this mixture and let them marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Trim the Chicken: After marinating, trim any excess fat or tendons from the edges of the chicken for a cleaner wrap.
- Prepare the Bacon: Use 8 to 12 slices of thick-cut bacon. Depending on the size of the chicken breasts, you may need more or fewer slices.
- Wrap the Chicken: Start at one end of the chicken breast, laying a slice of bacon flat against it. Gently roll the chicken with the bacon, wrapping it tightly but not overly constrictively. Ensure that the ends of the bacon overlap. If needed, use toothpicks to secure the bacon ends in place.
- Repeat for All Pieces: Continue wrapping each chicken breast until all are covered in bacon. This secures moisture and flavor during grilling.
With the chicken prepped and wrapped, you’re ready to grill your delicious bacon-wrapped chicken breasts.
Grilling Instructions
Grilling bacon-wrapped chicken breasts is straightforward and yields a delicious meal. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
Setting Up the Grill
Prepare the grill by cleaning the grates. Preheat it to medium heat, around 350°F to 400°F. This temperature ensures even cooking. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. Use a grill-safe brush to apply oil, or simply rub a paper towel soaked in oil over the grates.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts for 15 to 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to promote even cooking. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer. This temperature ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. If you prefer crispier bacon, extend the cooking time by a few minutes, monitoring closely to avoid burning.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken
For perfectly grilled bacon-wrapped chicken, follow these essential tips to enhance flavor and ensure an enjoyable cooking experience.
Ensuring Even Cooking
- Select Uniform Chicken Breasts: Choose chicken breasts of similar size and thickness for even cooking. This helps avoid overcooking or undercooking parts of the chicken.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures both safety and tenderness.
- Maintain Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to a consistent medium heat of 350°F to 400°F. Avoid fluctuating temperatures to ensure the bacon and chicken cook evenly.
- Rotate Often: Flip the chicken breasts halfway through grilling for balanced heat exposure. This promotes even cooking and prevents hotspots on the grill.
- Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: Purchase thick-cut bacon for a better balance of crispy texture and flavorful fat. Thin bacon cooks too quickly and often can’t achieve the desired crispiness.
- Wrap Tightly: Wrap each chicken breast with the bacon tightly, overlapping the edges. This helps keep the bacon close to the chicken, allowing it to crisp effectively.
- Grill with the Lid Closed: Close the grill lid to trap heat. This method circulates hot air and cooks the bacon uniformly, enhancing its crispness.
- Increase Cooking Time: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, extend the cooking time by 2 to 5 minutes. Just monitor closely to prevent burning and keep a juicy chicken texture.
- Finish Under High Heat: For the final few minutes, move the chicken to a direct heat source or increase the grill’s heat. This adds extra sizzle and creates a crunchy exterior.
By following these tips, you’ll serve perfectly grilled bacon-wrapped chicken that’s flavorful, juicy, and crispy.
Conclusion
You’ve now got everything you need to impress your friends and family with delicious bacon-wrapped chicken breasts right off the grill. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Don’t forget to experiment with marinades and seasonings to make it your own. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue this recipe is bound to become a favorite. So fire up that grill and enjoy the mouthwatering results of your hard work. Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make bacon-wrapped chicken breast?
To make bacon-wrapped chicken breast, you need boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 to 4, 6 to 8 ounces each), thick-cut bacon (8 to 12 slices), and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
How should I marinate the chicken breast?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs to enhance flavor and juiciness. Feel free to customize the marinade to your taste preferences for a unique twist.
What’s the best way to grill the bacon-wrapped chicken?
Preheat your grill to medium heat (350°F to 400°F). Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the wrapped chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
How can I achieve crispy bacon on my chicken?
For crispier bacon, extend the grilling time slightly. Monitor closely to avoid burning. You can also finish cooking under high heat at the end to achieve that perfect crispiness while ensuring the chicken remains juicy.
Are there any tips for cooking even chicken breasts?
Select chicken breasts that are uniform in size for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rotate the chicken often and grill with the lid closed to maintain consistent heat throughout the cooking process.
