Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory maple garlic sauce and crispy bacon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers bold flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Stir in the maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil in a large baking dish and place the chicken thighs in a single layer. Pour the maple garlic sauce over the chicken, coating each piece well.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly over the top of the chicken.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze looks golden.
8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
• Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but reduce the baking time to avoid drying out the meat.
• Use turkey bacon for a leaner version without sacrificing flavor.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the sauce’s glaze and the chicken’s juiciness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the maple garlic sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Warm it gently before pouring over the chicken.

Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 145 reviews

Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken is a delightful dish featuring juicy boneless chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory maple garlic sauce, topped with crispy bacon for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This oven-baked recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously glazed chicken with smoky, sweet, and aromatic notes, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Bacon

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to let it burn.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and the sweet and savory aroma fills your kitchen.
5. Arrange the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil into a large baking dish and place the chicken thighs in a single layer, spaced evenly. Pour the maple garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated well.
6. Add the Bacon: Sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly over the chicken and sauce to add crunch and smoky flavor.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender with a glossy glaze.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Ensure not to burn the garlic during sautéing as it can develop a bitter flavor.
• You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for optimal doneness.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a lower sodium version, reduce or omit the soy sauce and salt.

Keywords: Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken, oven-baked chicken, sweet and savory chicken, chicken thighs recipe, bacon chicken dish, maple syrup chicken, easy dinner recipes