Description
This Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken recipe combines tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts with the rich, smoky flavor of thick-cut bacon, all coated in a sweet and savory glaze made from pure maple syrup, fresh garlic, and low-sodium soy sauce. Perfectly pan-cooked to juicy perfection, this dish delivers an irresistible balance of flavors that make for an easy and impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Bacon
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
Glaze
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon slices until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside on paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Maple Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt. Add the pure maple syrup and low-sodium soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Combine Everything: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Crumble or chop the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the chicken and sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to plates, spoon extra sauce and bacon on top, and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for a more substantial texture and flavor.
- Adjust the salt amount carefully, as soy sauce already adds saltiness.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic when sautéing; cook on low to medium heat.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the maple garlic soy sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken, chicken breast recipe, bacon chicken, maple syrup chicken, garlic chicken recipe, quick dinner, savory sweet chicken