Chef Mitchell preparing Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered this recipe during a family barbecue, where the combination of sweet and savory flavors left a lasting impression. Over the years, I’ve perfected the balance of ingredients to create a delicious glaze that elevates the chicken to new heights. It’s become a family favorite and a go-to for dinner parties."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating comforting and flavorful dinner recipes. My passion is to bring joy to the dining table through delicious, easy-to-make meals.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken served on a plate

Why This Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its unique flavor combination of caramelized bacon and succulent chicken, making each bite a delight. The sweet glaze permeates the meat, ensuring every piece is packed with flavor. It's the perfect meal for those who love a balance of savory and sweet.

The technique of glazing the chicken with bacon drippings adds depth and richness. As the chicken simmers, it absorbs all the flavors, resulting in tender meat that is bursting with taste. This method guarantees a satisfying texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure to sear the chicken properly before adding the glaze. This not only locks in moisture but also creates a delicious crust that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce earlier in the day. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and glaze it in a skillet until warmed through.

If you prefer a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or omit it entirely and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Alternatively, pancetta would be a delicious substitute.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into a piece and ensure the juices run clear, with no pink remaining.

Yes, you can freeze the glazed chicken. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with rice to soak up the delicious glaze.

Properly stored in an airtight container, Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always ensure to reheat it thoroughly before consuming.

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and glaze and store them in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together. Just reheat them before serving.

The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, covered, until heated through.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: Chicken turns out dry after cooking.

Solution: Ensure not to overcook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer will help achieve the perfect internal temperature without sacrificing moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The bacon isn't crispy.

Solution: Cook the bacon on medium-high heat until fully rendered and crispy before adding it to the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain proper heat.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The chicken is tough and rubbery.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the internal temperature closely. Remove the chicken from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The chicken appears cooked on the outside but raw inside.

Recovery: If you suspect undercooking, return the chicken to the skillet and cook longer over low heat, ensuring even cooking throughout.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The chicken's surface is burnt while the inside remains raw.

Prevention: Cook on medium heat and reduce heat as necessary to avoid burning while ensuring the chicken cooks through.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, increase the quantity of brown sugar to offset the saltiness.

Bland: To revive bland flavors, add more minced garlic or a dash of soy sauce for depth.

Fresh ingredients for Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken

The main ingredients for this recipe include juicy chicken and crispy bacon, which are crucial for achieving a delightful balance of flavors. The brown sugar and honey in the glaze provide a perfect caramelization that enhances the dish's overall taste.

Quality ingredients make a significant difference. Choose fresh chicken and high-quality bacon for the best flavor. Fresh herbs and spices will elevate your dish even further.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Opt for organic chicken for better flavor and texture. Always ensure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even cooking results.
  • Bacon: Select thick-cut bacon for added crunch and flavor. Cooking it until crispy will release its fat, adding richness to the dish.
  • Honey: Use high-quality honey for the glaze. Raw honey adds a depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness without being overpowering.
Cooking process for Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Starting with crisping the bacon creates a rich base flavor for the chicken. After searing the chicken, adding the glaze allows it to caramelize beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Patience is key during the simmering stage; this is where the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring an even coat of the glaze on the chicken.

Key Technique for Perfect Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken

The secret lies in glazing the chicken with the rendered bacon fat in addition to the sauce, allowing for an intense, savory flavor that permeates the meat. The caramelization process enhances the dish's sweetness while contributing to its appetizing appearance.

Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
    Packed
  • 1/2 cup honey
    Sweet
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    Low sodium recommended
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    Acidic balance
  • 3 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tsp black pepper
    Freshly ground

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 lb bacon
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    For tanginess
  • 1/2 cup honey
    For sweetness
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    For umami flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    For smokiness
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
    For heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all ingredients and prepare them as listed in the ingredients section. Cut chicken, chop bacon, and mince garlic.

  2. Cook Bacon

    In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  3. Mix Sauce

    In a bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Mix well.

  4. Sear Chicken

    In the same skillet, sear chicken pieces on both sides until golden brown. About 5 minutes per side.

  5. Add Glaze

    Pour the prepared glaze over the chicken in the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 30 minutes.

  6. Add Bacon

    Stir in the crispy bacon, mixing it through the chicken and glaze to combine flavors.

  7. Serve

    Once cooked through, serve hot garnished with chopped green onions and parsley.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Caramelized Bacon Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or rice to complement the rich glaze. A fresh salad would add a nice contrast to the meal.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of meat such as pork or turkey. You can also try adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skillet for added flavor.