Honey Bacon Glazed Chicken

Introduction:
Savor the sweet and savory perfection of Honey Bacon Glazed Chicken! This recipe features juicy chicken pieces smothered in a rich honey-bacon glaze, delivering a mouthwatering combination of flavors. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both simple to prepare and delightfully impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Flavor-packed: The honey-bacon glaze adds a sweet and savory twist to tender chicken.
• Easy to make: Minimal prep with straightforward cooking steps.
• Versatile: Great for dinner, but also impressive enough for entertaining.
• Quick: Ready in just about an hour, including prep and cooking time.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices of bacon
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Prepare the Bacon:

• Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

1. Make the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

1. Glaze the Chicken:

• Pour the honey glaze over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.

1. Bake:

• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.

1. Serve:

• Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are of uniform size for even cooking.
• Glaze: For a thicker glaze, reduce it slightly in a saucepan over medium heat before adding to the chicken.
• Bacon: For extra crunch, you can broil the bacon-topped chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Recipe Variations:

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Herb Infused: Mix chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the glaze for added flavor.
• Pineapple Twist: Incorporate pineapple juice into the glaze for a tropical touch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment:

• Skillet: An oven-safe skillet is ideal for searing and baking the chicken.
• Whisk: For combining the glaze ingredients.

FAQ:

• Can I use bone-in chicken?
  Yes, bone-in chicken can be used. Adjust the baking time as bone-in pieces may require a bit longer.
• Can I use turkey bacon?
  Turkey bacon can be used as a substitute, but note it may not be as crispy or flavorful as pork bacon.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the chicken and glaze a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

Preparation Time:

• 10 minutes for preparing the ingredients and cooking the bacon.

Cook Time:

• 30 minutes for baking the chicken.

Total Time:

• 40 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 16g

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Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Honey Bacon Glazed Chicken? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious creations and stay tuned for more easy and flavorful recipes.