INGREDIENTS:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 to 12 slices of streaky bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
- Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)
Optional Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
2. Mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and optional dried herbs in a small bowl.
3. Season each chicken breast evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of streaky bacon, starting at one end and moving to the other. Secure with toothpicks to ensure the bacon doesn’t unravel!
5. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
6. If using the glaze, mix honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic and soy sauce in a small bowl; brush over the chicken.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
8. If you want extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
9. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Let rest for a few minutes before serving, removing toothpicks prior to serving.