Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Oh, I just have to share this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. The combination of smoky bacon wrapped around juicy, tender chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce is absolutely irresistible. It’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts when you want to impress without spending hours fussing in the kitchen.

What I really love about this recipe is how it marinates the chicken in barbecue sauce overnight, making the flavors deeply infused and the meat so flavorful. Whether you’re grilling outside or baking inside, the bacon crisps up beautifully while the chicken stays succulent. Trust me, once you try this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your meal rotation.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe has a purpose — from the chicken breasts as the meaty base to the barbecue sauce that brings a rich sweet tang, and the bacon wrapping it all up with smoky crisp edges. Plus, you don’t need a ton of spices or extras to get big flavor here, which is nice for a straightforward meal.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These give you juicy, lean meat that soaks up the marinade well and cooks evenly.
• Barbecue Sauce: Choose a thick, flavorful sauce you love — this really makes the chicken sing and keeps things moist during cooking.
• Bacon: Adds that irresistible smoky crunch and keeps the chicken tender inside; thick-cut works especially well if you want extra texture.

Tweak to Your Taste

Let me tell you, I always mess around with this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe depending on my mood or what I have in the kitchen. You can easily swap barbecue sauces—maybe something spicy if you like a kick, or smoky if that’s more your style. And don’t shy away from adding your favorite rub under the bacon for an extra layer of flavor.

• Spicy Kick: I love adding a chipotle or cayenne-based barbecue sauce for a smoky heat that wakes up the palate beautifully.
• Herb-Infused: Sometimes I tuck a few fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs under the bacon for a subtle herbal lift that pairs nicely with the smoky bacon.
• Gluten-Free Option: Just make sure your barbecue sauce and bacon don’t contain gluten — this recipe fits those dietary needs perfectly without compromises.
• Oven-Baked: If grilling isn’t your thing, baking works just as well and your chicken still comes out tender and delicious.

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

Step 1: Marinade Magic

Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts and placing them into a zippered plastic bag. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of your barbecue sauce and seal it tight. Give it a good shake to coat all the chicken evenly, then pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. I usually prep this the night before so the flavors really seep into the meat — this step makes a huge difference in juiciness and taste, trust me!

Step 2: Bacon Wrap Prep

When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve some marinade for later), and wrap each piece with two slices of bacon. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon snugly. Wrapping tightly is key so the bacon crisps up evenly during cooking and doesn’t slip off. I’ve found that two slices per breast is just right — too little bacon and you miss out on that smoky balance, too much and it overpowers the chicken.

Step 3: Grill or Bake

If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the bacon wrapped chicken on the grates. Cook about 10 minutes per side, turning gently, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF and the bacon is crispy. During the last few minutes, brush the chicken with the reserved barbecue sauce for that irresistible glaze. Don’t rush this — low and slow on the grill means perfectly cooked chicken and crispy bacon without burning.

If you don’t have a grill or prefer oven cooking, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, place the wrapped chicken on it, and bake at 375ºF for 20-30 minutes or until fully cooked. Keep an eye on it so the bacon crisps without burning.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top after cooking for a pop of color and freshness—you want something bright to cut through all those smoky flavors. A few thinly sliced green onions or a wedge of lime on the side also work beautifully and add a refreshing zing.

Side Dishes

This bacon wrapped BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with simple grilled corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, I like serving it alongside some crispy sweet potato fries or a loaded baked potato for a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the chicken on a wooden platter surrounded by skewers of grilled veggies and drizzled a little extra barbecue sauce over the top for that wow factor. You can also slice the chicken and serve it on a bed of leafy greens or mashed potatoes, making it easier for guests to tuck in without the toothpicks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the chicken cool completely, then store individual portions in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps really well for 3-4 days, making for an easy grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions wrapped tightly in plastic and foil before cooking and then frozen cooked leftovers too. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating. It’s a great way to prep meals ahead, especially for busy weeks.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF, wrapped in foil to keep the chicken moist and the bacon crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make bacon a little chewy. Wrapping in foil and slow reheating really keeps the texture just about as good as fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Recipe is one of those simple but incredible dishes I keep coming back to because it’s so reliably delicious and straightforward. I hope once you try it, it finds a place in your favorite recipes too. Nothing beats that smoky bacon crisp wrapping tender, barbecue-glazed chicken—it’s like a hug on a plate. So go ahead, get your grill or oven ready, and enjoy making this crowd-pleaser that always earns compliments!

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