best grilled bacon wrapped chicken

When consulting with grilling experts about their favorite bacon-wrapped chicken, one dish keeps coming up—juicy, perfectly smoky, and cooked to just the right temp. I’ve tested a few myself, and Burgers’ Smokehouse Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Filets truly stand out. Their thick, high-quality chicken breasts are basted with a sweet honey and brown sugar brine, so the meat stays tender and flavorful. Wrapped with gourmet hickory smoked, dry-cured bacon, they even carry that irresistible smoky aroma while grilling.

Compared to other options, these filets deliver consistent quality and a satisfying balance of smoky crispy bacon and moist chicken. They are easy to cook evenly, thanks to the sturdy, premium bacon that crisps up beautifully without excess flare-ups. If you want to impress guests or just enjoy a hearty, flavor-packed meal, I recommend giving the Burgers’ Smokehouse Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Filets a try—trust me, they won’t disappoint!

Top Recommendation: Burgers’ Smokehouse Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Filets (10)

Why We Recommend It: This product offers top-quality chicken breasts basted in a sweet honey and brown sugar brine, ensuring tenderness and flavor. The thick, gourmet Hickory smoked, dry-cured bacon wraps evenly and crisps perfectly on the grill, providing a smoky, crispy exterior that holds up well during cooking. Compared to other options, these filets have a superior blend of quality ingredients, balanced flavor, and reliable cooking performance, making them the best choice for a satisfying grilled bacon-wrapped chicken experience.

Best grilled bacon wrapped chicken: Our Top 2 Picks

• Burgers’ Smokehouse Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Filets (10) – Best for Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
• Canvas Wall Art Chicken Liver & Bacon Skewers 24″x36 – Best for Unique Kitchen Decor and Skewers

What Ingredients Do You Need for the Best Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken?

To create the best grilled bacon wrapped chicken, selecting high-quality ingredients is essential. Here’s a list of what you will need:

• Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for optimal cooking. These provide a tender and juicy base for your dish.

• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is preferred for its ability to render fat and provide a crispy texture without overcooking too quickly. Applewood smoked bacon offers a rich flavor.

• Seasoning: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the chicken’s natural flavor. Additional spices like paprika or cayenne pepper can add a kick.

• Cheese (optional): Cream cheese or sharp cheddar can be added for a gooey center, elevating flavor and moisture.

• Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be sprinkled in for added aromatics and brightness.

• Marinade (optional): For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a couple of hours before wrapping it in bacon.

With these ingredients, you’ll achieve a succulent grilled bacon wrapped chicken that’s bursting with flavor.

Which Types of Chicken Are Best for Wrapping in Bacon?

The best types of chicken for wrapping in bacon are those that complement the flavors and cooking methods commonly used in grilling.

• Chicken Breast: Chicken breasts are a popular choice for wrapping in bacon due to their lean meat and ability to absorb flavors. When grilled, they become juicy and tender, and the bacon adds a savory, crispy layer that enhances the overall taste.
• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, making them an excellent option for bacon wrapping. The higher fat content in thighs helps keep the meat moist during grilling, while the bacon adds a delightful crunch and smokiness.
• Chicken Tenderloins: Tenderloins are another great choice as they are naturally tender and cook quickly. Wrapping them in bacon allows for a perfect balance of textures, with the crispy bacon complementing the soft meat for a satisfying bite.
• Whole Chicken (Spatchcocked): For a more dramatic presentation, a whole spatchcocked chicken can be wrapped in bacon. This method allows for even cooking and maximum flavor infusion from the bacon, making for a show-stopping grilled dish that is both impressive and delicious.
• Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Stuffed chicken breasts, filled with cheese, vegetables, or herbs, are an ideal candidate for bacon wrapping. The bacon not only holds the stuffing in place but also adds a smoky flavor that enhances the richness of the filling as it cooks on the grill.

What Seasonings Should You Use to Enhance the Flavor?

To enhance the flavor of the best grilled bacon wrapped chicken, consider using the following seasonings:

• Garlic Powder: This seasoning adds a robust and savory flavor that complements the smoky taste of the bacon. It also infuses the chicken with a rich aroma, making it more appetizing.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika brings a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the grilled aspect of the chicken. Its vibrant red color also adds visual appeal to the dish, making it more enticing.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a sharp, spicy kick that balances the richness of the bacon. It elevates the overall flavor profile of the chicken, making each bite more dynamic.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix, enhancing the savory notes of the dish. It blends well with the other spices without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Adding a touch of brown sugar creates a caramelization effect when grilled, giving the chicken a sweet and savory crust. This contrast in flavors makes the dish more complex and satisfying.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs, typically including oregano, basil, and thyme, adds an aromatic freshness to the chicken. It enhances the overall flavor without overshadowing the taste of the bacon and chicken.
• Cayenne Pepper: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper can be sprinkled on to provide a spicy kick. It elevates the flavor profile and adds excitement to the dish, appealing to those who like bold flavors.

How Should You Prepare Chicken for Grilling?

To prepare chicken for grilling, especially for the best grilled bacon-wrapped chicken, follow these essential steps:

• Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Opt for chicken breast or thighs, as these cuts are meaty and hold up well on the grill. Thighs tend to be juicier due to their higher fat content, while breasts are leaner and can be more prone to drying out if overcooked.
• Marinate or Season: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness; consider a marinade with acidic components like lemon juice or vinegar, combined with herbs and spices. If you prefer a dry rub, use a mix of your favorite spices to give the chicken a flavorful crust when grilled.
• Wrap with Bacon: Lay strips of bacon over the chicken, ensuring they cover the surface adequately. Bacon adds both flavor and moisture as it renders fat during grilling, helping to keep the chicken juicy and infusing it with a smoky taste.
• Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. A hot grill sears the chicken, creating grill marks and preventing it from sticking, which is crucial for achieving that perfect grilled texture.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the cut. Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without being overdone.
• Let it Rest: Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist final product.

Should You Butterfly the Chicken Breast Before Wrapping?

When preparing grilled bacon-wrapped chicken, butterflying the chicken breast can significantly influence the final result. Here are some reasons to consider this technique:

• Even Cooking: Butterflying helps create an even thickness throughout the chicken breast. This ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly, reducing the risk of dry or overcooked areas.

• Increased Surface Area: A butterflied breast exposes more surface area, allowing the seasoning and bacon to infuse flavor more effectively.

• Faster Cooking: Thinner pieces of chicken can cook more quickly on the grill, which is advantageous when wrapping them in bacon, as you want the bacon to crisp without overcooking the chicken.

• Easier to Roll and Wrap: Butterflying creates a larger canvas for the bacon, making it easier to wrap the chicken securely, ensuring that the bacon adheres well and keeps moisture in.

If choosing to butterfly, make sure to use a sharp knife and work carefully to avoid cutting all the way through. This simple step can elevate the texture and flavor of the dish, giving you juicy and tender chicken enveloped in crispy bacon.

How Can You Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?

Marinating: Marinating chicken in a mixture of oil, acid, and seasonings not only adds depth to the taste but also helps to break down proteins, yielding a more tender texture. Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer durations can enhance the flavor even more.

Using Bacon Wisely: Bacon serves as a protective layer during grilling, preventing the chicken from drying out while imparting its rich flavor. It’s important to use high-quality bacon and to ensure that it is partially cooked before wrapping to allow even cooking without burning.

Cooking Temperature: The ideal grilling temperature for chicken is medium heat; this allows for the outside to sear while the inside cooks thoroughly. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F ensures the chicken is safely cooked while remaining juicy.

Resting Period: After grilling, letting the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes allows the juices that have been pushed to the center during cooking to redistribute throughout the meat. This technique results in a more flavorful and moist chicken when cut into.

What is the Best Way to Wrap Chicken in Bacon?

Wrapping chicken in bacon can enhance flavor while providing a succulent texture. To achieve perfectly wrapped bacon chicken, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, as they are easier to wrap and cook evenly.

2. Prepare the Bacon: Use standard or thick-cut bacon. Pre-cooking the bacon slightly in the microwave or skillet for 2-3 minutes can help it render fat better and remain crispy during grilling.

3. Season the Chicken: Before wrapping, season the chicken with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices to enhance flavor.

4. The Wrapping Technique:
   – Lay the chicken breast flat on a clean surface.
   – Start at one end of the chicken and place a strip of bacon on top.
   – Tightly wrap the bacon around the chicken, overlapping each strip slightly to ensure full coverage.
   – Secure the bacon ends with toothpicks if necessary to hold everything in place.

5. Cooking Method: Grill the wrapped chicken over medium heat. Turning frequently will help achieve an even cook and crisp bacon. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Using this technique, the bacon crisps up beautifully, while the chicken remains juicy and full of flavor.

Should You Use Raw or Cooked Bacon for Wrapping?

When deciding between raw or cooked bacon for wrapping around chicken, several factors come into play that can significantly affect the outcome of your grilled bacon-wrapped chicken.

• Raw Bacon: Using raw bacon is typically recommended. As it cooks, it releases fat that bastes the chicken, enhancing both flavor and moisture. The bacon also crisps up beautifully as it cooks on the grill, creating that irresistible texture.

• Cooked Bacon: While cooked bacon can be used for easier handling, it does not provide the same depth of flavor or moisture to the chicken. Cooked bacon is already crispy, which may lead to a less appealing texture when wrapped around raw chicken. Additionally, the lack of rendered fat means the chicken may dry out during grilling.

In essence, raw bacon not only helps to keep the chicken juicy but also allows the flavors to meld as they cook together. If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider using a smoked variety of raw bacon.

How Can You Secure the Bacon to Prevent Unraveling?

To secure bacon on grilled bacon-wrapped chicken and prevent it from unraveling, consider the following methods:

• Toothpicks: Using toothpicks is a simple and effective way to hold the bacon in place. Insert a toothpick through the end of the bacon and into the chicken to ensure it stays wrapped while cooking.
• Kitchen Twine: Kitchen twine can be used to tie the bacon around the chicken. This method not only secures the bacon but also adds a rustic presentation, and the twine can be easily removed after cooking.
• Pre-cooking the Bacon: Partially cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken can help it retain its shape. This technique allows the bacon to stick better to the chicken as it firms up during grilling.
• Bacon Weave: Creating a bacon weave by interlacing strips of bacon can provide a stable wrap around the chicken. This technique distributes the bacon evenly and helps prevent any gaps that could lead to unraveling.
• Marinade or Rub: Applying a marinade or rub to the chicken before wrapping it in bacon can help the bacon adhere better. The moisture from the marinade can create a sticky surface that allows the bacon to cling tightly while cooking.

What are the Best Grilling Techniques for Bacon Wrapped Chicken?

The best grilling techniques for bacon-wrapped chicken ensure a deliciously crispy exterior and juicy interior.

• Indirect Grilling: This technique involves placing the chicken on one side of the grill while heating the other side, allowing the chicken to cook evenly without direct exposure to the flames. By using indirect heat, the bacon can crisp up without burning, ensuring that the chicken cooks thoroughly without drying out.
• Marinating the Chicken: Prior to wrapping the chicken in bacon, marinating it can infuse additional flavors and moisture. A simple marinade with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs can enhance the overall taste and help keep the chicken juicy as it grills.
• Using a Meat Thermometer: To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, using a meat thermometer is essential. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat while also allowing the bacon to reach the desired level of crispiness.
• Basting with Sauce: Applying a glaze or barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling can add flavor and moisture to the bacon-wrapped chicken. This technique not only enhances the taste but also helps to caramelize the bacon for a delicious finish.
• Resting the Chicken: After grilling, letting the bacon-wrapped chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing is crucial. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

How Long Should You Grill Bacon Wrapped Chicken?

Grilling bacon-wrapped chicken requires careful timing to achieve perfectly cooked meat while ensuring the bacon is crispy. The grilling time can vary based on several factors, including the thickness of the chicken breast and the heat of the grill.

Generally, you should grill bacon-wrapped chicken for about 30 to 40 minutes. Here are some key points to ensure optimal results:

• Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat, around 400°F (204°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly and allows the bacon to render its fat properly.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat. Inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken helps avoid undercooking.

• Turn the Chicken: Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the grilling process. This promotes even cooking and helps crisp up the bacon on all sides.

• Bacon Crispy Check: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you might want to increase the grilling time slightly. Just be cautious not to overcook the chicken.

Adjust these guidelines based on your grill type and personal preferences for best results.

What Temperature Should Your Grill Be Set At?

The ideal grill temperature for cooking bacon-wrapped chicken is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

• Medium Heat (350-375°F): This temperature range is optimal for cooking bacon-wrapped chicken evenly without burning the bacon.
• High Heat (400-450°F): Using high heat can help crisp the bacon quickly, but it requires careful monitoring to prevent charring.
• Indirect Heat: Cooking the chicken using indirect heat allows for thorough cooking without overcooking the bacon.
• Resting Temperature (165°F): Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F for food safety.

Medium heat is generally preferred for bacon-wrapped chicken as it allows the meat to cook through while giving the bacon enough time to render its fat and become crispy. This temperature helps prevent the bacon from burning while ensuring that the chicken is tender and juicy.

High heat can be effective for creating a nice char on the outside of the bacon, enhancing the flavor, but it can also lead to uneven cooking if not monitored closely. If you choose this method, consider searing the chicken briefly on high heat before moving it to a cooler part of the grill.

Indirect heat is particularly useful for larger pieces of chicken, allowing them to cook through without direct flames that could burn the bacon. This technique involves placing the chicken away from the direct heat source, using the grill’s ambient heat to cook the chicken thoroughly.

Finally, always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F, which is the safe cooking temperature recommended by food safety guidelines. This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked while keeping the bacon crispy and delicious.

What Tips Can Help You Achieve Crispy Bacon on Your Chicken?

To achieve the best grilled bacon-wrapped chicken, consider the following tips:

• Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon renders better and provides a satisfying crispiness when cooked. It can withstand the grilling process without becoming overly greasy or burnt, allowing for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
• Pre-Cook the Bacon: Lightly cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken can help render some of the fat and ensure it crisps up nicely during grilling. This method also reduces the overall cooking time for the chicken, ensuring that both elements are cooked perfectly.
• Season the Chicken: Seasoning your chicken with a mix of herbs, spices, and salt enhances the flavor profile and complements the smoky taste of the bacon. A good marinade or rub can also help the chicken remain juicy while the bacon crisps up on the grill.
• Grill at the Right Temperature: Cooking the chicken at a medium-high temperature allows the bacon to crisp up without overcooking the chicken. It’s important to monitor the heat to prevent flare-ups, which can burn the bacon.
• Use Skewers or Toothpicks: Securing the bacon with skewers or toothpicks helps keep it in place during grilling, ensuring an even cook and preventing the bacon from unraveling. This technique also helps maintain the presentation of the dish.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the bacon-wrapped chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This step is crucial for maintaining moisture and achieving a tender result while the bacon retains its crispiness.

Should You Soak Bacon in Any Marinade or Sauce?

No, you should not soak bacon in any marinade or sauce before using it to wrap chicken. Soaking bacon can result in excess moisture that prevents it from crisping properly when grilled, which is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in your grilled bacon-wrapped chicken.

When bacon is soaked in a marinade, it absorbs liquid that can interfere with the cooking process. The goal of grilling bacon-wrapped chicken is to create a crispy, caramelized exterior while ensuring the chicken inside remains juicy and flavorful. If the bacon is too wet, it may steam rather than sear, leading to a less desirable texture. Instead, consider seasoning the chicken directly or lightly brushing the bacon with a marinade or sauce after it has been wrapped around the chicken and just before grilling. This allows for enhanced flavors without compromising the cooking method.

Moreover, the best grilled bacon-wrapped chicken benefits from the natural flavors of the bacon itself, which provides a rich, smoky taste that complements the chicken. If you want to add additional flavors, marinating the chicken separately before wrapping it in bacon can be an effective strategy. This way, you can achieve a balance of flavors while ensuring that the bacon remains the star of the dish, delivering the perfect crunch and savory goodness when grilled.

How Do You Prevent Bacon from Becoming Soggy on the Grill?

To prevent bacon from becoming soggy on the grill, you can implement several techniques that enhance the texture and flavor of your grilled dishes.

• Choose the Right Cut of Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon as it holds up better on the grill and provides a crispy texture compared to standard cuts.
• Pre-cook the Bacon: Lightly cooking the bacon in the oven or on the stovetop before wrapping it around chicken helps render some of the fat, reducing the risk of sogginess during grilling.
• Use a Two-Zone Fire: Set up your grill with two heat zones: one for direct grilling and one for indirect heat. This allows you to sear the bacon quickly and then move it to a cooler side to finish cooking without burning.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave enough space between the bacon-wrapped chicken pieces on the grill. This promotes better airflow and helps the bacon crisp up instead of steaming.
• Monitor the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking process, as bacon cooks quickly. Turning the chicken frequently will ensure even cooking and help the bacon crisp up on all sides.
• Use a Grill Basket or Skewers: Consider using a grill basket or skewers to keep the bacon-wrapped chicken secure. This prevents the bacon from slipping off and ensures even cooking without sogginess.

What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken?

Several dipping sauces complement the flavors of grilled bacon-wrapped chicken perfectly:

• Honey Mustard: This sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the tangy flavor of mustard, creating a balanced dip that enhances the savory taste of bacon and chicken.
• Barbecue Sauce: Rich and smoky, barbecue sauce adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor that pairs well with the grilled aspects of the chicken and the salty bacon.
• Garlic Aioli: Creamy and infused with garlic, this sauce provides a rich and decadent contrast to the crispy bacon and juicy chicken, making each bite more indulgent.
• Sriracha Ranch: This spicy twist on ranch dressing combines creamy elements with a kick from sriracha, offering a cool yet zesty complement to the savory grilled meat.
• Chipotle Sauce: With its smoky heat and creamy texture, chipotle sauce adds a bold flavor profile that enhances the grilled chicken while harmonizing with the bacon’s richness.

Which Homemade Sauces Best Complement the Dish?

The best homemade sauces to complement grilled bacon-wrapped chicken include:

• Honey Mustard Sauce: This sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, creating a perfect balance that enhances the savory flavors of the bacon and chicken. The mild heat from the mustard cuts through the richness, making every bite more enjoyable.
• Bourbon BBQ Sauce: A smoky, sweet sauce that pairs excellently with grilled meats, bourbon BBQ sauce adds depth to the chicken while complementing the crispy bacon. The bourbon provides a unique flavor profile that elevates the dish, making it a standout choice for barbecue lovers.
• Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce: This rich and creamy sauce features garlic and Parmesan cheese, offering a decadent addition to the grilled chicken. The creaminess complements the crispy texture of the bacon, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.
• Chipotle Aioli: A spicy and smoky aioli made from chipotle peppers, garlic, and mayonnaise, this sauce adds a zesty kick to the dish. Its creamy texture and bold flavor provide a delicious counterpoint to the savory chicken and bacon, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Ranch Dressing: A classic choice, ranch dressing adds a cool and creamy element to the dish, balancing the savory flavors of the grilled chicken and bacon. The herby notes in ranch provide freshness and enhance the overall taste without overpowering the main ingredients.

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