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Grilled Chicken Wrapped in Bacon: A Flavor Explosion

There’s something primal about the smell of meat sizzling over an open flame. I remember one summer as a kid, my grandfather, a man of few words but profound grilling skills, taught me how to build a proper charcoal fire. He’d always say, “The secret’s in the sear, boy, the sear!” While he was famous for his steaks, he secretly loved chicken, especially when wrapped in bacon. That smoky, salty, savory combination is pure comfort food and always reminds me of warm summer evenings and family gatherings.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 2-4 hours
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes – 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Yields: 8-10 (4-piece) servings
Dietary Type: High Protein

Ingredients

4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 ounces Dale’s Steak Seasoning (or Moore’s Marinade)
1 (12 ounce) package bacon

Equipment Needed

Large Bowl
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Plastic Wrap or Resealable Bag
Toothpicks or Skewers
Grill

Instructions

First, cut each chicken breast into 4 pieces. This ensures even cooking and maximizes bacon coverage. Use a sharp knife and a steady hand to create uniformly sized pieces.
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Now, it’s time to infuse them with flavor.
Pour the Dale’s Steak Seasoning (or Moore’s Marinade) over the chicken. Ensure that every piece is well coated. You can gently toss the chicken to distribute the marinade evenly. The marinade is the key to moist and flavorful chicken, so don’t skimp!
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. This helps to maintain moisture and prevent the marinade from drying out.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. This step is crucial. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. Don’t be tempted to rush this process! Two hours is the minimum, but four hours will yield even better results.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the bacon. Cut the bacon strips in half. This makes them easier to wrap around the chicken pieces.
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Discard the marinade.
Wrap each chicken piece with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. Alternatively, you can thread several pieces of chicken onto a skewer. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken until it is cooked through. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of your grill. Turn the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.
Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor. Thick-cut bacon will hold up better on the grill and provide a richer, more satisfying taste.
If the bacon is browning too quickly, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. You can also tent the chicken with foil to slow down the browning process.
For a smoky flavor, use wood chips or chunks in your grill. Hickory, mesquite, or applewood chips pair well with chicken and bacon.
To prevent the bacon from sticking to the grill grates, lightly oil the grates before grilling.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the grilled chicken and bacon immediately for the best flavor and texture. It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, potato salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.

To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or on the grill.

Reheating Instructions:

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Grill: Grill the chicken over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to dry it out.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	445 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	197 g	44%
Total Fat	22 g	33%
Saturated Fat	7.1 g	35%
Cholesterol	160.9 mg	53%
Sodium	502.2 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	0.3 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	57.5 g	114%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Sweet and savory: Brush the chicken with a mixture of honey and soy sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet and savory glaze.
Different marinades: Experiment with different marinades, such as teriyaki, lemon-herb, or barbecue sauce.
Turkey bacon: For a lower-fat option, use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
Chicken thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay moister during grilling.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor. However, be aware that the texture of the chicken might change slightly with extended marinating due to the acidity of the marinade.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. This will ensure that the marinade penetrates the chicken evenly.

Q: How do I prevent the bacon from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the chicken while it’s grilling. If the bacon is browning too quickly, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill or tent it with foil.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can marinate the chicken and wrap it in bacon ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

This grilled chicken wrapped in bacon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken and crispy, smoky bacon is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create your own unique version. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal. I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you add to the recipe. What are you waiting for?

Grilled Chicken With Bacon Recipe