Cooking has always been a form of creativity for me, but it wasn’t until I started experimenting with savory-sweet combinations that I truly fell in love with the art of balancing flavors. Maple syrup, often reserved for breakfast pancakes and waffles, had always felt like a sweet, comforting ingredient.
However, when I tried pairing it with chicken, something magical happened—its rich sweetness perfectly complemented the savory, hearty taste of the chicken, creating an irresistible contrast. I also had a bit of bacon in the fridge, a standby for so many meals, and thought, “Why not throw that in as well?” The crispy texture of the bacon brings an incredible crunch to every bite, making this dish a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
That moment of culinary creativity sparked my journey to create the ultimate Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon. The best part? It’s so easy to prepare but delivers a restaurant-quality dish that feels comforting and indulgent. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special meal for family and friends, this recipe has quickly become a household favorite. If you’re like me and appreciate simplicity in cooking, this one is for you.
Short Description
Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon is a savory-sweet dish that pairs tender chicken breasts with a rich maple syrup glaze and crispy, crumbled bacon. It’s a quick and delicious recipe that is both comforting and full of flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Key Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast fillets
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
- Plate for resting the cooked bacon and chicken
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Place them on a cutting board and sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Then, lightly coat the chicken in flour, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. This will help create a nice, crispy crust as they cook.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet, as it will add flavor to the chicken later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, carefully place the chicken breasts into the skillet.
Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Maple Glaze
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture to combine, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the glaze to simmer for about 2 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the maple glaze over the top, letting the chicken soak up the delicious sauce. Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top of the chicken. Let the chicken cook in the glaze for another 1-2 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates and drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly balanced flavors: The sweet maple glaze combined with crispy bacon and savory chicken creates a flavor explosion.
Quick and easy: You can make this in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish, thanks to its irresistible combination of flavors.
Comfort food with a twist: It’s a comforting dish with a unique flavor profile that’s a step above ordinary chicken recipes.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Chicken not cooked through: Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken and ensure there’s no pink.
Maple glaze too thin: If your maple glaze isn’t thickening, let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes on low heat. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it up.
Bacon not crispy: If your bacon isn’t getting crispy, make sure you’re cooking it at medium heat. Lower heat can cause the bacon to become chewy instead of crispy.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple salad for a lighter side.
A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the maple and the savory bacon.
For a more casual meal, serve the chicken on a bed of rice or in a sandwich bun for a unique twist on a classic.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To preserve the crispy texture of the bacon, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little bit of extra maple syrup to refresh the glaze.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can. Chicken thighs will be even more juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs might take a little longer to cook through.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and bacon ahead of time, storing them separately. Reheat before glazing and serving.
3. Can I substitute the maple syrup?
You can use honey or agave syrup, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Maple syrup gives a distinct, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory bacon.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the maple glaze for a sweet-spicy kick.
5. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be mindful that it doesn’t get as crispy as regular bacon.
Tips & Tricks
Use a non-stick skillet for easy cleanup and to prevent the chicken from sticking.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the flouring step for a simpler version, but the crispy crust adds a lot of texture to the dish.
Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Recipe Variations
Add a little heat: Spice up the maple glaze with a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes. This creates a perfect sweet-and-spicy combination.
Use different proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, this glaze works great with pork chops or even grilled salmon. The maple syrup pairs wonderfully with these meats.
Make it a full meal: Serve the glazed chicken with a vegetable stir-fry or creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon has quickly become one of my all-time favorite recipes. It brings together the perfect balance of flavors that I never knew I needed. The maple syrup glaze adds a richness that makes the chicken feel extra special, while the crispy bacon offers that irresistible crunch in every bite
It’s a dish that feels gourmet but comes together in no time—ideal for busy nights when you want something comforting and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Maple Glazed Chicken With Crispy Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast fillets
- ½ cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter divided
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Lightly coat with flour to create a crispy crust.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and cook chopped bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat and add maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic powder to the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon glaze over it, and sprinkle with crispy bacon. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Transfer chicken to plates, drizzle with remaining glaze, and garnish with parsley.
