Pin it
This bacon wrapped garlic parmesan chicken turns ordinary chicken breasts into something incredibly special by wrapping seasoned strips in crispy bacon and finishing with a garlic parmesan glaze. The smoky bacon fat bastes the chicken as it cooks, keeping everything incredibly juicy while adding rich flavor, and the garlic parmesan sauce creates a glossy coating that makes every bite irresistible. What makes this recipe particularly brilliant is how it looks impressive enough for company but requires minimal prep work and just one baking dish for easy cleanup.
My brother discovered this technique at a restaurant and became determined to recreate it at home. After several attempts at getting the timing right so the bacon crisps without the chicken drying out, this version finally nailed that perfect balance. Now it's become his signature dish for dinner parties because guests always assume he's spent hours preparing something complicated when it actually comes together quite simply.
Quality Ingredient Selection
- Large chicken breasts: slice into uniform strips for even cooking and easy serving
- Thick-cut bacon: provides enough fat to keep chicken moist while crisping up properly
- Good olive oil: helps seasonings adhere and adds moisture to the chicken surface
- Fresh seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder create flavorful coating
- Garlic parmesan wing sauce: look for quality brands or make your own with butter, garlic, and parmesan
Pin it
Complete Preparation Process
- Chicken Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish. Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into strips roughly one inch wide. Drizzle olive oil over all the chicken strips and massage it into the meat.
- Seasoning Application:
- Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each chicken strip, rubbing it in gently to help the spices adhere to the oiled surface.
- Bacon Wrapping Technique:
- Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around each seasoned chicken strip in a spiral pattern, tucking the end underneath. Place each wrapped piece seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, arranging them so they don't touch too much.
- Sauce Application:
- Drizzle the garlic parmesan wing sauce generously over each bacon-wrapped chicken piece, spreading it evenly across the tops. The sauce will caramelize slightly during baking, creating a flavorful glaze.
- Baking Process:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F, until the bacon has crisped and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra crispy bacon, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
The first time I attempted this recipe, I used regular thick-cut bacon and ended up with rubbery bacon and dry chicken because I kept cooking it longer trying to crisp the bacon. My chef friend explained that thinner bacon crisps faster and matches chicken cooking time better, while a quick broil at the end finishes everything perfectly.
Perfect Serving Ideas
Serve these bacon-wrapped strips over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice that can soak up the delicious pan drippings. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts provide fresh contrast to the rich, savory chicken. For a lighter option, serve over mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette.
Creative Flavor Variations
Transform this into an Italian version by using Italian seasoning and topping with marinara sauce and mozzarella. For heat lovers, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or use spicy wing sauce. A maple bacon version works beautifully by brushing with maple syrup during the last few minutes of baking. Stuffing the chicken strips with cream cheese before wrapping creates an even richer, more decadent result.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover bacon-wrapped chicken covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore some of the bacon texture, though it won't be quite as crispy as when fresh. The microwave works for quick reheating but will soften the bacon considerably.
Pin it
This bacon wrapped garlic parmesan chicken has become my favorite way to elevate simple chicken breasts into something that feels special and indulgent. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy seasoned chicken, and that garlicky parmesan glaze creates layers of flavor and texture that make every bite satisfying. It proves that sometimes the best recipes come from wrapping good ingredients around each other and letting the oven work its magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Should I use thick-cut or regular bacon?
- Regular or thin-cut bacon works better as it gets crispy while the chicken cooks through. Thick-cut bacon may not crisp up enough in the given cooking time.
- → Do I need to precook the bacon?
- No! The bacon cooks alongside the chicken in the oven. It will crisp up perfectly during the 25-30 minute baking time.
- → How do I keep the bacon from unwrapping?
- Place the wrapped chicken seam-side down in the baking dish. The bacon end will stick to itself as it cooks, keeping everything secure.
- → Can I make my own garlic Parmesan sauce?
- Yes! Mix melted butter with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs for a homemade version. Use about 3 tablespoons per serving.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
- Roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, green beans, or a simple salad all pair well. Since the chicken is rich, lighter sides work best.
- → How do I make the bacon extra crispy?
- Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning, and rotate the pan if needed for even crisping.