Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon
Introduction
Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with sweet maple syrup and crunchy bacon. This recipe is easy to make and will surely impress your family or guests.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it mixes flavors that everyone loves—savory chicken, sweet maple syrup, and crispy bacon. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something tasty and satisfying.
How to Make Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breast fillets
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breast fillets with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Dredge them in flour, shaking off any extra flour.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it is crispy. Take the bacon out and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
- In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, add the chicken fillets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- While the chicken cooks, mix the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the maple syrup mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.
- Move the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through (it needs to reach 165°F or 74°C on the inside).
- Once done, take it out of the oven. You can garnish with chopped parsley if you want, then serve hot.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon
Serve the chicken hot on a plate, drizzled with the maple glaze, and topped with the crispy bacon. It goes well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
How to Store Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving again.
Tips to Make Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon
- Make sure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Don’t skip the bacon drippings; they add great flavor to the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done.
Variation (If Any)
You can add veggies like green beans or carrots to the skillet while baking for a complete meal. You could also use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are also delicious and stay juicy.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs nicely with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or rice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but cook it right before serving for the best taste.