Introduction

This Easy Maple Mustard Bacon Chicken delivers a perfect sweet and savory combination in under 30 minutes. Wrapping chicken in bacon creates a juicy, flavorful main dish, while the simple maple mustard glaze adds a delicious caramelized finish. Serve alongside classic sides like Jenna’s Five Star Rolls Recipe for a complete meal that feels special yet is incredibly simple to prepare.

Ingredients

This sweet and savory Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken combines crispy bacon with a rich maple glaze for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, patted dry
• Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 to 12 slices of bacon (about 2 to 2 ½ slices per chicken breast)
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to its streamlined glazing process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Maple Bacon Glaze

Combine 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2 — Season the Chicken

Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder.

Step 3 — Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken should release easily from the pan when properly seared.

Step 4 — Apply the First Glaze Layer

Brush half of the maple bacon glaze over the seared chicken breasts, coating them evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze for later use. The glaze will begin to caramelize as it cooks.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Step 6 — Apply Final Glaze and Rest

Remove the skillet from the oven and brush the remaining maple bacon glaze over the chicken. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 7 — Serve Your Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken

Slice the chicken against the grain and serve with any remaining pan juices drizzled over the top. Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete your meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	410
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	24g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey Bacon — Leaner protein with smoky flavor, reducing saturated fat while keeping the savory element.
• Chicken Breast — Swap for skinless cuts to lower overall fat content while maintaining the maple glaze flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce — Use in the glaze instead of regular soy sauce to significantly cut sodium without sacrificing umami depth.
• Sugar-Free Maple Syrup — Provides the signature maple sweetness with fewer carbs and calories for a lower-carb version.
• Coconut Aminos — Gluten-free and soy-free alternative to soy sauce, offering a slightly sweeter, milder flavor.
• Turkey Tenders — A lighter protein option that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the maple bacon glaze.
• Smoked Paprika + Olive Oil — Create a bacon-free version by combining smoked paprika with olive oil for that smoky essence without the pork.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans for a classic, comforting meal.
• Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious maple-bacon glaze.
• For a lighter option, accompany the chicken with a crisp arugula salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
• Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual weekend gathering with friends.
• Elevate your plating by garnishing with fresh thyme and extra crumbled bacon for a beautiful, rustic presentation.
• This dish is an excellent choice for holiday meals, offering a savory-sweet alternative to traditional ham or turkey.

The rich, savory-sweet flavor profile of Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken makes it incredibly versatile for various sides and occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using thin-cut bacon that burns before rendering fat. Fix: Opt for thick-cut bacon to withstand the glaze’s sugar content and render properly.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when searing chicken. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure a crisp, golden-brown crust instead of steaming.
• Mistake: Applying glaze too early, causing it to scorch. Fix: Brush on the maple glaze during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to pat chicken dry before seasoning. Fix: Dry surfaces thoroughly for better browning and crust formation.
• Mistake: Cooking chicken straight from the fridge. Fix: Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to promote even cooking.
• Mistake: Not balancing sweetness with acidity or salt. Fix: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of salt to the glaze.
• Mistake: Using high heat throughout, which burns the maple syrup. Fix: Start with medium-high heat to sear, then reduce to medium for glazing.
• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken, leading to dryness. Fix: Use a meat thermometer and pull at 165°F (74°C) for juicy results.
• Mistake: Pouring excess bacon grease into the glaze. Fix: Reserve only 1–2 tablespoons of rendered fat to enrich the sauce without greasiness.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled before refrigerating.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or microwave until steaming hot. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.

Always use a food thermometer to confirm your Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Conclusion

This Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its sweet and savory flavors. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments! For more delicious pairings, check out our Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe and Homemade Honey Mustard Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make this Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze and marinate the chicken in advance. For the best results, cook the Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken just before serving to keep the bacon crisp and the glaze fresh.

What sides pair well with Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The savory-sweet flavor of the Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken complements both hearty and light sides.

Can I use a different type of bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon or a lower-sodium bacon if you prefer. Keep in mind that the type of bacon may slightly alter the final flavor and crispiness of your Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken.