Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, this Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken is the recipe you need tonight. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are wrapped in crispy bacon, brushed with a sweet and savory maple-garlic glaze, and baked until golden perfection.

This isn’t just another chicken dinner. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, smoky, and garlicky flavors that make every bite irresistible. Plus, it takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish — making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or even a casual dinner party.

One of the best parts? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. With just a few pantry staples — maple syrup, garlic, bacon, and chicken — you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. And because we bake everything in one pan, cleanup is quick and painless.

Serve this chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad, and you’ve got a complete meal the whole family will love. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this recipe on repeat.

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What Makes This Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Special?

• Perfect Sweet & Savory Balance – The maple glaze caramelizes beautifully, coating the chicken in a sticky, sweet layer while bacon adds a smoky, salty kick.

• Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients – You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.

• Quick & Easy Dinner – Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – A family-friendly recipe that’s elegant enough for guests.

• Foolproof Method – With my tips, you’ll get perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every single time.

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Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken — plus a few substitution ideas:

• Chicken Breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking. You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat; just adjust cooking time by 5-7 minutes.

• Bacon – Regular-cut bacon works best because it cooks evenly without overpowering the chicken. Thick-cut bacon can be used but may require extra baking time.

• Maple Syrup – Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor, not pancake syrup. Honey works as a backup, though the flavor will be slightly different.

• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds punchy flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder works too (use ½ teaspoon per clove).

• Soy Sauce – Adds umami depth and balances the sweetness. Swap with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

• Paprika – Brings a mild smoky flavor; smoked paprika works wonderfully here.

• Olive Oil or Butter – Helps crisp the bacon and deepen the glaze’s richness.

• Optional Garnish – Fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

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How to Make Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels for better browning.

Step 2: Make the Maple Garlic Glaze

3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup maple syrup, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.

Step 3: Wrap Chicken in Bacon

4. Take each chicken breast and wrap 2-3 strips of bacon around it, slightly overlapping. Tuck the ends underneath so they stay secure.

Step 4: Glaze and Bake

5. Place wrapped chicken on the baking sheet. Brush generously with the maple garlic glaze.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, brushing halfway through with more glaze.

7. For extra crispy bacon, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely to avoid burning).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

8. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This locks in the juices. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

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Storage Options

• Room Temperature – Not recommended for more than 2 hours.

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer – Wrap tightly in foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

• Reheating – Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Maple Chicken – Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.

• BBQ Twist – Swap maple syrup for BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.

• Low-Carb/Keto – Use sugar-free maple syrup or a keto-friendly sweetener.

• Autumn Vibes – Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the glaze for a cozy fall twist.

• Herb Lovers – Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an earthy depth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bacon-wrapped chicken up to 12 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge, then bake when ready.

2. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?
Absolutely. Sear bacon-wrapped chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, then cover and cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.

3. My bacon isn’t crisping up. What should I do?
Broil for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye — bacon burns fast!

4. Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but reduce bake time slightly since turkey bacon cooks faster.

5. What should I serve with this?
It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad.

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Conclusion

This Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken is the kind of dinner that makes everyone ask for seconds. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful enough for guests. With its sticky glaze, smoky bacon, and juicy chicken, this recipe is an instant family favorite.

Try it tonight — and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out!

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