Have you ever craved that perfect combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon? If so, you’re in for a treat. Grilling bacon-wrapped chicken isn’t just a delicious way to elevate your meal; it’s also a fun and easy dish that impresses family and friends alike.
Key Takeaways
- Ingredient Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure a delicious grilling experience.
- Marination Matters: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to enhance flavor. Common marinades include teriyaki and barbecue sauces.
- Grilling Technique: Preheat the grill to medium-high (375°F to 400°F) for even cooking, and monitor cooking times to avoid overcooking the chicken while achieving crispy bacon.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair grilled bacon-wrapped chicken with sides like grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. Complement with dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or garlic aioli for added flavor.
- Impress Your Guests: This easy-to-make dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it a great option for family gatherings and barbecues.
Ingredients Needed
To make bacon-wrapped chicken on the grill, gather the following ingredients. Each item plays a key role in delivering flavor and texture.
Chicken Cuts
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy wrapping.
- Chicken thighs: Opt for bone-in or boneless thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Bacon Selection
- Thick-cut bacon: Select thick-cut bacon for a satisfying, crispy finish.
- Bacon types: Choose between regular or smoked bacon, depending on your taste preference.
- Salt: Use kosher salt for enhancing flavor.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat.
- Garlic powder: Sprinkle a bit for an aromatic touch.
- Paprika: Use sweet or smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.
- Optional marinades: Consider a teriyaki or barbecue marinade for added zest.
Preparation Steps
Preparing bacon-wrapped chicken requires straightforward steps for flavorful results. Follow these instructions for a tasty grilling experience.
Marinating the Chicken
- Choose your favorite marinade. Options include teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, or a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a glass dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For enhanced flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
- Lay out strips of thick-cut bacon on a clean surface. Aim for 1-2 strips per piece of chicken, depending on size.
- Place a piece of chicken at one end of the bacon strip.
- Roll the bacon around the chicken, ensuring it’s tightly wrapped. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Repeat the process for all chicken pieces. Ensure every wrap is even to promote consistent cooking.
These preparation steps set the foundation for perfectly grilled bacon-wrapped chicken.
Grilling Techniques
Grilling bacon-wrapped chicken requires attention to detail for optimal flavor and texture. Mastering a few key techniques makes the cooking process enjoyable and results in a delicious meal.
Preheating the Grill
Preheating the grill is crucial for even cooking. Heat the grill to a medium-high temperature, around 375°F to 400°F. This range ensures the chicken cooks through while allowing the bacon to crisp up nicely. An effective method is to preheat for about 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. To check if it’s ready, hold your hand about six inches above the grates. If you can only hold it there for 2-3 seconds before it gets too hot, the grill is ready.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cooking time plays a significant role in achieving perfectly grilled bacon-wrapped chicken. Typically, chicken breasts will take about 20-25 minutes, while thicker cuts may require up to 30 minutes. The key is to maintain a consistent grill temperature throughout. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep an eye on the bacon; if it gets too crispy before the chicken is cooked, you can tent the chicken with foil to prevent overcooking while finishing up the grilling process.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled bacon-wrapped chicken pairs well with various side dishes and sauces that enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some ideas to complement your meal perfectly.
Side Dishes
- Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini get deliciously charred on the grill and add a colorful contrast to your chicken.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the bacon.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn offers natural sweetness, making it a perfect side that kids and adults enjoy.
- Potato Salad: Creamy or vinegar-based potato salads provide a hearty option, adding substance to your plate.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs and spices absorbs the juices from the chicken, creating a flavorful bite.
- Barbecue Sauce: A classic choice, barbecue sauce complements the smoky flavor while adding sweetness. Serve it on the side for dipping.
- Honey Mustard: This blend of honey and mustard offers a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the bacon.
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy garlic aioli adds a rich flavor that enhances the grilled chicken. Use it as a spread or a dip.
- Sriracha Mayo: If you like heat, mix mayo with Sriracha for a spicy kick that livens up each bite of chicken.
- Chimichurri: This fresh herb sauce adds brightness and depth of flavor, elevating the grilled chicken experience.
Crafting a well-rounded plate is easy with these side dish and sauce options, making your grilled bacon-wrapped chicken a hit at any gathering.
Conclusion
Grilling bacon-wrapped chicken is a surefire way to impress your guests and elevate your outdoor cooking game. With just a few simple ingredients and steps you can create a mouthwatering dish that combines the best of both worlds.
Don’t forget to play around with marinades and sides to customize your meal to your liking. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So fire up that grill and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make bacon-wrapped chicken?
To make bacon-wrapped chicken, you’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thick-cut bacon, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. For added flavor, you can also use marinades like teriyaki or barbecue sauce.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
It’s recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours in the fridge.
What temperature should I grill bacon-wrapped chicken?
Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature of 375°F to 400°F. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispy bacon.
How long does it take to grill bacon-wrapped chicken?
Typically, it takes 20-25 minutes to grill chicken breasts, while thicker cuts may take up to 30 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What side dishes pair well with bacon-wrapped chicken?
Delicious sides include grilled vegetables, coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, and rice pilaf. These complement the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
Can I use regular bacon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use regular or smoked bacon based on your preference. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for a satisfying texture.
