Print

Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 125 reviews

Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken is a savory and sweet oven-baked dish that combines tender boneless chicken thighs with crispy bacon and a rich sauce made from pure maple syrup, garlic, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. This meal offers a perfect balance of flavors with a luscious glaze and smoky undertones, making it ideal for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Bacon

  • 8 slices of bacon, chopped

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
  2. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with bacon grease and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning the garlic.
  4. Make Sauce: Stir in the maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Bring this sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens, enhancing the flavors.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish: Drizzle olive oil into a large baking dish and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer for even cooking.
  6. Coat Chicken: Pour the prepared maple garlic sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful glaze.
  7. Add Bacon: Sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly over the top of the coated chicken for added texture and smoky flavor.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they remain juicy and tender during baking.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Maple syrup adds sweetness; adjust quantity if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh color contrast and mild flavor.

Keywords: Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken, baked chicken thighs, sweet and savory chicken, bacon chicken recipe, maple syrup chicken, easy dinner