Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a mouthwatering explosion of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing? Look no further than this irresistible Sweet Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken recipe that promises to be the star of your dining table! Imagine tender chicken breasts perfectly seasoned with a tantalizing blend of brown sugar and cayenne pepper, then lovingly wrapped in crispy, golden bacon that delivers a delectable crunch in every single bite. This recipe is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that combines sweet, spicy, and savory notes guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to ensure the bacon adheres properly and gets crispy.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper, creating a sweet and spicy seasoning mix.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt on both sides, then generously sprinkle the brown sugar and cayenne mixture over each breast.
- Wrap each chicken breast completely with 2 slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon covers the entire surface and slightly overlaps to secure it.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them seam-side down to prevent unwrapping during cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crisp and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Slice and serve hot, garnishing with additional cayenne pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Always use paper towels to thoroughly pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning. This ensures the bacon adheres perfectly and becomes wonderfully crisp.
- For maximum flavor, let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before wrapping and baking. This helps the spices penetrate the meat.
- Position bacon-wrapped chicken seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent unwrapping during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different pepper varieties or add a touch of smoked paprika to customize the spice level to your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
