Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon
A delightful dish combining the savory flavors of chicken and bacon with the sweetness of maple syrup, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Then remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil, and sear the seasoned chicken breasts on both sides for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Baking
- Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the maple glaze evenly over the top.
- Crumble the crispy bacon over the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving
- Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme before serving. Serve hot with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- For an extra touch, drizzle some additional maple syrup over the dish right before serving.
Notes
Make sure not to overcook the chicken; using a meat thermometer is a great way to check for doneness. You can easily add vegetables to the baking dish for a complete meal. Adjust the amount of maple syrup for more sweetness if desired.