Name: Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 to 6 boneless (skinless chicken breasts or preferred chicken pieces); 2/3 cup packed brown sugar; 2 to 3 cloves garlic (minced or garlic powder to taste); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste; 8 to 12 slices regular cut bacon (not thick-cut, enough to wrap each chicken piece)

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Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and garlicky brown sugar rub, wrapped snugly in salty bacon, and baked to golden perfection. This Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken offers a delightful blend of flavors that’s both comforting and impressive, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

The combination of the caramelized brown sugar and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering contrast, while the garlic adds a subtle depth of flavor that ties everything together. It’s an effortless dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The irresistible sweet-savory flavor pairing of brown sugar and bacon enhances juicy baked chicken.
Simple ingredients come together quickly to create an impressive and satisfying meal.
Versatile enough to work with various chicken cuts and perfect for special occasions or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean chicken pieces perfect for absorbing flavors and baking evenly.
Packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelizes during baking for deep, rich flavor and beautiful color.
Minced garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the sugar rub with aromatic pungency and savory depth.
Kosher salt: Enhances all ingredients, balancing the sweet and savory elements effectively.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
Regular cut bacon slices: Wrapping the chicken in bacon provides smokiness and a crisp, salty crust.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Start by heating your oven to 375°F (approximately 190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. This ensures even cooking and prevents the sugar mixture from burning on the dish.
Make the Brown Sugar Garlic Rub: In a medium bowl, combine the packed brown sugar with minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This blend creates a flavorful coating that will caramelize on the chicken during baking.
Coat Chicken Pieces Evenly: Add your chicken breasts (or preferred chicken pieces) into the bowl and toss them gently, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the brown sugar mixture. Press the rub onto the surface lightly so it adheres well, helping to lock in moisture and infuse flavor.
Wrap Chicken in Bacon: Wrap each coated chicken piece with 1 to 2 slices of regular cut bacon, depending on the size. Tuck the ends underneath or secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent unraveling during baking. Bacon adds delicious smokiness and keeps the chicken juicy.
Arrange and Bake Chicken: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish, spacing them apart so heat circulates evenly and bacon crisps nicely. Sprinkle any leftover brown sugar mixture over the top. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon turns golden and slightly crisp.
Optional Broil for Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning the sugar, as broilers work quickly and can char sweet toppings.
Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with favorite sides like roasted vegetables, fresh salad, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

You Must Know

You can substitute chicken thighs or tenders; just adjust the baking time since smaller pieces cook faster.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness, balancing against the salty bacon.
Adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can enhance warmth and add a subtle kick.
Placing chicken on a wire rack in the baking dish helps bacon fat drip away, promoting even crispiness.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve bacon crispness and keep the chicken moist.

Serving Suggestions

This bacon brown sugar chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables, steamed green beans, or a vibrant garden salad. Consider serving alongside fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sweet and savory juices.

Professional Tips

Use regular cut bacon instead of thick-cut to ensure it crisps fully without overcooking the chicken.
Pressing the brown sugar rub tightly onto the chicken before wrapping helps the flavors penetrate and caramelize effectively.
Using a wire rack inside your baking dish promotes even cooking and crispier bacon by allowing fat to drain away.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?: Yes, bone-in chicken can be used but you will need to increase the baking time to ensure it cooks through completely.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar content?: Absolutely, you can reduce the brown sugar amount or substitute part of it with a sugar substitute to suit your dietary needs.
Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?: Yes, you can coat and wrap the chicken in bacon the day before, store it covered in the fridge, and bake when ready.
How do I ensure the bacon crisps without burning the sugar?: Bake at 375°F and broil only briefly at the end. Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent burning.
What are good side dishes for bacon brown sugar chicken?: Consider roasted vegetables, mixed green salads, rice pilaf, or creamy mashed potatoes for complementary flavors and textures.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?: Yes, garlic powder works well and can be adjusted to taste if you prefer a milder garlic flavor.
How do I reheat while keeping bacon crispy?: Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at a medium temperature to help maintain bacon crispiness instead of microwaving.