Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe with you because it’s hands-down one of my go-to dishes when I want something impressive yet super easy. The smoky, crispy bacon wrapped around tender, juicy chicken slathered in tangy barbecue sauce is just irresistible. It’s a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re firing up the grill on a weekend or just craving something cozy and delicious at home.

What makes this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe really shine is how the marinade works its magic overnight — it infuses flavor deep into the chicken so every bite bursts with barbecue goodness. Plus, wrapping it with bacon seals in all those juices while adding a perfect crispy contrast. If you’ve never tried bacon and BBQ chicken together like this, trust me, you’re in for a treat!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe plays a special role — from the chicken itself to the rich barbecue sauce and smoky bacon. Picking good quality items really makes a difference, so here’s why I choose what I do.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to handle and quick to cook, these provide a juicy blank canvas for the BBQ flavors to sink in.
• Barbecue Sauce: Look for a sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and smoky notes. Using half for the marinade and the other half for brushing brings layers of flavor.
• Bacon Slices: Thicker-cut bacon gives a perfect crispy exterior and holds the chicken together well during grilling or baking.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe my own by playing around with BBQ sauce flavors and spices. Don’t hesitate to add your favorite seasonings or swap the bacon for something special to suit your mood or dietary needs.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes mix a little hot sauce into the marinade for an extra layer of heat that balances the smoky bacon perfectly.
• Herb Boost: Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the BBQ sauce brightens the flavor and makes it feel fresh.
• Alternative Wrapping: For a twist, try thin slices of prosciutto or turkey bacon if you’re after a lighter option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate for Maximum Flavor

First things first — trim any excess fat from your chicken breasts and pop them into a zippered plastic bag. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of your barbecue sauce and give it a good massage so every bit of chicken is coated. Seal it up tight and tuck it into the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight if you can plan ahead. Trust me, that patience pays off with tender, deeply flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Wrap the Chicken With Bacon

Once your chicken has soaked in all that wonderful BBQ goodness, it’s time to wrap it up. Use two slices of bacon per chicken breast, wrapping them snuggly around the meat. I find using toothpicks to secure the bacon makes it easier to handle and keeps everything intact, especially when flipping on the grill.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Heat up your grill to medium-high and place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on it. Cook for about 10 minutes on each side. You’ll want to be patient — flipping carefully so the bacon crisps evenly without falling apart. Near the end, brush some of the reserved barbecue sauce over the chicken for a sticky, flavorful glaze. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165ºF to be safe and juicy.

Step 4: Alternative Oven Method

If grilling’s not an option, don’t worry! Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, arrange the wrapped chicken on it, and bake at 375ºF for 20-30 minutes. Timing varies based on thickness, so keep an eye on it. The result is just as delicious — smoky, tender bites with the same BBQ and bacon love.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. It adds a pop of color and a mild freshness that balances the smoky richness perfectly. A few lemon wedges on the side also give a nice zing when squeezed over before eating.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides here are creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted sweet potatoes or classic baked beans also work great if you want a heartier meal to go with the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes slice the bacon wrapped chicken into medallions and serve on a large platter with a bowl of extra barbecue sauce for dipping — it’s perfect for sharing and looks inviting. Another fun idea is skewering bite-sized chicken chunks wrapped in bacon for easy finger food at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend using them within 3 days so the chicken stays juicy and the bacon crisps nicely when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. This recipe freezes well and makes a quick, satisfying dinner when you’re short on time down the road.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 10-15 minutes. This gently warms the chicken and crisps up the bacon again — microwave reheating tends to make the bacon soggy, so oven or skillet reheating is your best bet for maintaining texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s the perfect balance of fuss-free and wow-factor. I’m excited for you to try it out because it really hits that spot where simplicity meets incredible flavor. Once you taste how juicy the chicken stays with smoky bacon and tangy BBQ sauce wrapped all around, it’ll soon be one of your favorites too. So fire up your grill or your oven, grab your favorite BBQ sauce, and let’s make some magic happen!

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