Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Okay, so let me tell you about this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe that’s become a total staple in my kitchen. It’s one of those dishes you pull out when you want to impress but don’t want to spend hours slaving away over the stove. Juicy chicken breasts marinated in smoky barbecue sauce, then wrapped in crispy bacon—it’s like a flavor explosion with every bite. Trust me, the combination of that sweet and tangy BBQ with the salty, crispy bacon is unbeatable.

This recipe works wonderfully for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want something comforting but a little special. I love that it’s pretty hands-off once the chicken is marinating—you can prep it a day ahead and just throw it on the grill or in the oven when you’re ready. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy without a ton of fuss, this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward and work beautifully together to give you juicy, flavorful chicken with that irresistible bacon crunch. Make sure to pick a good quality barbecue sauce, and if you can, opt for thick-cut bacon for the best wrap.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Stick with even-sized breasts so they cook uniformly and you get that perfect juiciness every time.
• Barbecue sauce: Choose one you love eating by the spoonful; this really sets the flavor base, so pick your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
• Bacon slices: Thicker slices work best to hold the chicken while cooking and crisp up nicely without burning.

Variations

I love mixing it up with this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe to keep it interesting, and you should too! Once you get the basic method down, it’s fun to tweak the flavors or cooking style to fit your mood or dietary needs.

• Spicy twist: I sometimes brush the chicken with a mix of BBQ sauce and hot sauce before wrapping for a delicious kick.
• Paleo or low-carb: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and nitrate-free bacon to keep it clean and still so flavorful.
• Oven-baked instead of grilled: Perfect for rainy days when you can’t fire up the grill yet still want that smoky flavor punch.
• Stuffed version: Try stuffing the chicken breasts with cream cheese and jalapeños before wrapping in bacon for an irresistible surprise.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Start by trimming any excess fat or tendon from your chicken breasts. Then pop them into a zippered bag with 1½ cups of your favorite barbecue sauce. Seal it tight and give it a quick massage to coat all the pieces evenly. This is the magic step that makes the chicken juicy and flavorful all the way through. Let it marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight in the fridge—trust me, the longer the better!

Step 2: Wrap it Up with Bacon

Once your chicken’s marinated, it’s wrapping time. Take each breast and wrap it with two slices of bacon, making sure to overlap slightly to hold it together. Use toothpicks if needed to secure the bacon so it doesn’t unravel on the grill. This bacon layer not only seals in moisture but adds that crispy salty exterior we all crave.

Step 3: Grill or Bake to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium heat, getting it nice and hot before gently placing the wrapped chicken on the grates. Cook about 10 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon crisps up. The safe internal temperature is 165ºF, so having a meat thermometer handy is a life-saver here. In the last few minutes, brush the chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce for that extra glossy finish and burst of flavor.

If grilling isn’t an option, no worries! You can bake the bacon wrapped BBQ chicken on a foil-lined sheet at 375ºF for 20-30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it depending on thickness, and finish with a sauce brush if you like.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a squeeze of lime or lemon over the top brightens up the flavors and cuts through all the richness. It feels like a small touch but really elevates the dish on the plate.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe are creamy mac and cheese, grilled corn on the cob, or a tangy coleslaw. These sides balance the smoky-sweet flavor of the chicken and add variety to the meal. For something lighter, roasted veggies or a crisp garden salad work beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these chicken breasts on a wooden board with a few small bowls of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. Adding some fresh herbs and color-rich roasted veggies around it makes it look restaurant-worthy while still feeling casual and approachable. Mini skewers instead of toothpicks are a fun touch if you want to serve these as appetizers too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover bacon wrapped BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats really well, which makes it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. Just make sure to remove toothpicks before storing to avoid any accidents.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times with great results. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll keep all the smoky, saucy goodness intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I like using the oven at 350ºF wrapped loosely in foil so the bacon stays crispy but the chicken warms evenly. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the bacon a bit chewy. A quick reheat on a grill pan also brings back that fresh-off-the-grill vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but is actually super easy to make. Every time I serve it, I get asked for the recipe, and honestly, it’s one I’m always happy to share. If you want a dish that’s smoky, saucy, cheesy (well, bacon is kind of cheesy in a way!), and guaranteed to please, give this a try—you won’t regret it. Just imagine the smell on the grill and that first bite of crispy bacon with tender chicken. Yum!

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