Save Pin
This Bacon Wrapped Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the kind of dinner you turn to when you want big flavor with hardly any fuss. Juicy strips of chicken breast get wrapped up in bacon and slathered with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce before baking until the bacon is perfectly crisp. I love pulling this one out for both casual weeknights and dinner guests—it always disappears fast and never fails to impress.
I first made this for a friend’s potluck thinking it might be too simple but it vanished long before anything else on the table. Now it is my go-to for family dinners whenever I want something comforting and stress-free.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose plump pieces for juiciness and slice yourself for best shape
- Olive oil: enhances flavor and helps the seasonings stick
- Thick cut bacon: use thick slices to keep bacon from burning before chicken cooks through
- Paprika: adds warmth and a pop of color try smoked paprika if you like more depth
- Garlic powder: brings garlicky flavor throughout
- Onion powder: softly sweet and savory to round out seasoning
- Salt and black pepper: season to taste and always use freshly ground pepper
- Garlic parmesan wing sauce: I like Buffalo Wild Wings brand but use your favorite for the most flavor
- Tip look for bacon with balanced meat and fat for best texture and crispiness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Cut each chicken breast into even strips so they cook quickly and stay tender. Drizzle with olive oil and use your hands to work it into every surface for best spice coverage.
- Season Generously:
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken strips with paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper. Pat the seasonings in gently so they stick.
- Wrap With Bacon:
- Carefully wrap each seasoned chicken strip with a single layer of thick cut bacon. Lightly pull the bacon as you go for even cooking and tuck any loose ends underneath. If you need extra security slip in a toothpick.
- Sauce It Up:
- Arrange bacon-wrapped chicken pieces in a single layer in a nine by thirteen inch baking dish. Spoon or brush on a generous layer of garlic parmesan wing sauce so it fully coats the tops.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees. Slide the dish into the center rack and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes depending on thickness until the chicken reaches one hundred sixty five degrees internal temp and bacon is crisp.
- Finish for Crispiness:
- If the bacon is not as crisp as you like after baking set your oven to broil and return the chicken for two to three minutes. Watch closely so the bacon does not burn.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve with extra sauce for dipping or your favorite side dish.
Save Pin
My favorite part of this dish is how the bacon locks in the moisture so every bite stays juicy. Once when my nephew visited we made this together and he declared it the best chicken he had ever eaten he still talks about it every time he comes over.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before packing away to avoid sogginess. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to revive that bacon crispiness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken tenderloins work if you want to skip slicing the breasts. For a lighter version use turkey bacon but expect a different final crunch. No garlic parmesan wing sauce Try mixing mayo grated parmesan garlic powder and a squeeze of lemon for a quick homemade version.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes roasted veggies or a fresh side salad. For a casual meal serve with fries or garlic bread. It also makes a killer party appetizer when sliced into smaller pieces and served with toothpicks and extra sauce.
Save Pin
Cultural Notes
Bacon wrapped chicken shows up in cuisines all over the world from American comfort food to Spanish tapas. The garlic parmesan twist adds a familiar pizzeria-style flavor that makes this version extra craveable.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → How do you secure the bacon so it doesn't unwrap while baking?
Use toothpicks at both ends of each bacon strip to keep them in place during cooking. Remove before serving.
- → What's the best way to achieve crispy bacon on the chicken?
Finish baked chicken under the broiler for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bacon-wrapped chicken up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- → Is turkey bacon a suitable substitute for pork bacon?
Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option, but it may need extra broiling time for maximum crispiness.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Let the chicken cool, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, and reheat thoroughly before eating.