Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Chef Crenn’s Savory Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs with Maple Glaze. This visually stunning dish transforms classic flavors into a refined, feel-good creation that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Prepare to elevate your dinner experience and bask in the warm, inviting aroma of this elegant, yet approachable recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs with Maple Glaze
Savor the harmonious blend of salty, sweet, and savory notes in this irresistible dish. The tender, juicy chicken thighs are wrapped in a crispy, golden bacon blanket, creating a mouthwatering contrast that will delight your senses. The luscious maple glaze adds a touch of refinement, elevating the comfort of this homestyle favorite. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of this dish and the cozy, yet gourmet experience it provides.
Ingredients
Gather the finest, freshest ingredients to craft this decadent Savory Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs with Maple Glaze. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic, and a touch of salt and pepper to season.
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Providing a tender, juicy texture.
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon – Wrapping the chicken in a crispy, savory blanket.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup – Creating a luscious, sweet glaze.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Adding a touch of tangy depth.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Balancing the sweetness and caramelizing the glaze.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Infusing the dish with aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning the chicken to perfection.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dijon Mustard: Substitute with whole-grain mustard for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Replace with a combination of honey and apple cider vinegar for a slightly tangier glaze.
How to Make Savory Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs with Maple Glaze
Prepare to elevate your dinner experience with this visually stunning and delightfully flavorful dish.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the thighs generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Wrap each chicken thigh tightly with a slice of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly to create a uniform, elegant look. Arrange the bacon-wrapped thighs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar until well combined. Brush the maple glaze generously over the top of the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Baste the chicken with the maple glaze every 10 minutes to create a beautiful, glistening finish.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Elevated Presentation: Use thin, wide slices of bacon to create a more uniform, overlapping pattern on the chicken thighs.
- Pronounced Flavor: Brush the chicken with the maple glaze before wrapping them in the bacon for a more pronounced sweet and savory taste.
- Crispy Crunch: Sprinkle the chicken thighs with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped pecans before baking for an added touch of texture.
- Versatile Glaze: Adjust the ratio of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh salad or your favorite roasted vegetables for a truly gourmet and comforting meal.
Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs up to a day in advance and store them, wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply brush the thighs with the maple glaze and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
This indulgent dish is a delightful balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. Each serving provides a satisfying 30 grams of protein, along with a moderate amount of carbohydrates and a touch of fiber. Enjoy this comfort food classic without the guilt, as the refined approach keeps the flavors rich and the portions sensible.
- Serving Size: 1 bacon-wrapped chicken thigh
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure the bacon is crispy?
Ensure the bacon is crispy by baking the chicken thighs at a high temperature, around 400°F (200°C), and basting them with the maple glaze every 10 minutes. This will help the bacon achieve a beautiful, golden-brown color and a satisfying crunch.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While you can substitute chicken breasts, the chicken thighs will provide a more tender and juicy result due to their higher fat content. The thighs will also hold up better to the wrapping and basting process.
How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?
To make this recipe more budget-friendly, you can use a less expensive cut of bacon, such as regular-sliced bacon, instead of the thick-cut variety. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup used in the glaze and substitute a portion of it with honey or brown sugar.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs up to a day in advance and store them, wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply brush the thighs with the maple glaze and bake as directed.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe can easily be scaled up to serve a larger group. Simply adjust the number of chicken thighs and bacon slices accordingly, and be sure to use larger baking sheets to accommodate the increased portion size.
Try These Next
- Bourbon Maple Bacon Stuffed French Toast With Vanilla Glaze
- Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers With Sweet Maple Glaze
- Savory Pancake Tacos With Maple Bacon And Egg
Savory Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs with Maple Glaze
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savory bacon-wrapped chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, glazed with a sweet maple syrup that perfectly complements the salty bacon.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs
8 slices of bacon
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each chicken thigh with 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
3. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the maple glaze over the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs.
5. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the maple glaze for a few hours before wrapping in bacon.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg