Juicy Chicken with Bacon, Garlic, and Parmesan (Print version)

Tender bacon-wrapped chicken strips baked with garlic butter and Parmesan until juicy inside and crisp at the edges.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 1/2 lb (680 g)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon paprika
04 - 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 10-12 slices thin-cut bacon

For the garlic Parmesan finish

09 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
10 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
11 - 1/3 cup (30 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
02 - Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into 10-12 thick strips. Toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Wrap each chicken strip with one slice of bacon, tucking the ends underneath. Arrange the pieces seam side down on the rack with space between them.
04 - Bake for 20-24 minutes, until the bacon has started to brown and the chicken is close to 160°F in the thickest part.
05 - Stir together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and lemon juice if using. Brush over the chicken, then sprinkle evenly with Parmesan.
06 - Broil for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the bacon edges are crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot after a 5 minute rest.
02 - Use thin-cut bacon for the crispest result.