Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Fillets – A Sweet & Savory Delight
Introduction
Looking for a dinner recipe that’s both elegant and easy to make? These Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Fillets are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a mouthwatering maple-Dijon sauce. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even entertaining guests — it looks gourmet but requires minimal effort.
The combination of bacon’s smokiness, maple syrup’s sweetness, and Dijon mustard’s tang creates a balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
To make these delicious maple-glazed bacon-wrapped chicken fillets, you’ll need:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets
-
8 slices of bacon
-
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
-
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top if you want the bacon to crisp evenly on all sides.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
-
Maple syrup
-
Dijon mustard
-
Soy sauce
-
Garlic powder
-
Black pepper
Whisk until smooth and well combined. This glaze will caramelize beautifully as the chicken bakes, giving it a glossy, flavorful coating.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken
Take each chicken fillet and wrap it with two slices of bacon, slightly overlapping the strips.
Tuck the ends underneath or secure them with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during baking.
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the maple glaze generously over each fillet, making sure they’re well coated on all sides.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Tip: Halfway through baking, brush the fillets again with the glaze for extra flavor and shine.
Step 6: Optional Broil for Crispiness
If you prefer the bacon extra crispy, switch the oven to broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
Keep a close eye on them — the glaze can burn quickly due to the maple syrup.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the fillets from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This helps the juices redistribute inside the chicken, keeping it moist and tender.
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Variations & Tips
For a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the glaze for heat lovers.
For a Smoky Flavor: Use smoked bacon or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the glaze.
Healthier Option: Replace regular bacon with turkey bacon or prosciutto for a leaner alternative.
Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley before serving for an aromatic finish.
Lower-Sugar Version: Reduce maple syrup to 2 tablespoons and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy glaze.
Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
Storage & Reheating Tips
-
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Freeze: Freeze cooked fillets for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
-
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Fillets with:
-
Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice
-
Roasted asparagus or green beans
-
A crisp garden salad
-
A drizzle of extra glaze or maple syrup on top
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky
-
Easy enough for weeknights, elegant enough for special occasions
-
Simple ingredients, gourmet results
-
Pairs beautifully with almost any side dish
