Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Juicy chicken wrapped in smoky bacon with a punch of garlicky parmesan flavor creates a dinner that feels as special as it tastes. Bacon wrapped garlic parmesan chicken is a weeknight main with big comfort factor but simple prep. My family always smiles when this comes out of the oven golden and sizzling.

The first time I tested this for my sister’s birthday dinner, it disappeared before I could even grab seconds and now it is on steady rotation when I want a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These stay juicy inside as the bacon helps prevent overcooking. Choose breasts that are similar in size for even cooking
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices cling to the chicken. Use a fresh bottle for best flavor
• Thick cut bacon: Ensures full smoky flavor and gives structure. Thin cut works well if you want extra crispiness
• Paprika: Gives a warm subtle smokiness. Reach for sweet paprika instead of hot unless you like a kick
• Garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor in the sauce. Go for granulated garlic over fine powder for best mouthfeel
• Onion powder: Balances out sweetness from the garlic and adds umami. Always check for freshness with a quick sniff
• Salt and black pepper: Enhances every layer of flavor. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper if possible
• Garlic parmesan wing sauce: The secret light tang and herby parmesan taste. Make sure to taste your sauce first to adjust seasoning if needed

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it is at temperature when your chicken goes in

Prep the Chicken:

Slice each chicken breast into even strips that look like chicken tenders. Drizzle the olive oil over and massage it into the chicken which helps with seasoning, then sprinkle both sides generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for full coverage

Wrap with Bacon:

Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each chicken strip. Try to cover as much surface as possible without overlapping too much so the bacon crisps. Place wrapped pieces seam side down in a 9x13 casserole dish, leaving a little space between each for air circulation

Add Sauce and Baste:

Drizzle the garlic parmesan wing sauce evenly over every piece of chicken, making sure each one gets a good coating. Use a pastry brush or a spoon to baste so it seeps into every crevice

Bake:

Transfer the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through and the bacon is crisping up. If you have a thermometer, check that the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit

Broil for Crispiness:

For extra crispy bacon, turn the broiler on high for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Watch closely and pull it out as soon as the bacon is golden and bubbly

Serve Warm:

Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes to cool slightly, then serve while the bacon is at its crispiest. The smell will fill your kitchen with anticipation

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I always look forward to the moment when the bacon is sizzling and the smell of garlic parmesan fills the kitchen. My youngest has always insisted on grabbing the crispiest edge pieces and honestly I cannot blame him

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool then refrigerate in a covered container for up to three days. The bacon stays crispiest if you reheat under the broiler or in a toaster oven. Microwaving softens the bacon but the flavor still holds up. You can also freeze portions wrapped tightly in foil for up to one month. Just thaw and reheat until hot

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer thighs, try boneless skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier finish. Turkey bacon can be swapped for a leaner meal or for a twist, use hot honey instead of the garlic parmesan sauce for a spicy sweet version. Smoked paprika stands in well if you want more punch than standard

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal or alongside a simple mixed green salad. They make a fun appetizer for gatherings too. Slice each piece into thirds and skewer with toothpicks for a bite sized party snack. My family loves them with mashed cauliflower to soak up the extra sauce

Cultural Context

Bacon wrapped chicken is a classic American comfort dish often made for celebrations, holidays, or casual family dinners. Adding the garlic parmesan sauce gives a little nod to American sports bar flavors and makes it perfect for fans of bold cheesy wings

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The crispy bacon and garlicky parmesan bring tons of flavor to this simple dish. Leftovers, if there are any, never last long in our house

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get crispy bacon on the chicken?

Broil the chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of baking to ensure the bacon turns golden and crispy.

→ Can I use thin bacon slices?

Yes, thin-cut bacon crisps up faster and ensures even cooking with the chicken strips.

→ What should the chicken's internal temperature be?

Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.

→ Can I use prepared garlic parmesan wing sauce?

Absolutely. Drizzle your favorite garlic parmesan wing sauce for added flavor and moisture.

→ Is this dish low-carb and gluten-free?

Yes, this chicken is low in carbs and free from gluten, suitable for special diets.