Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs Recipe (Using Oven)

Lastest Updated June 19, 2024
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When it comes to comfort food, few recipes can rival bacon-wrapped chicken thighs. This mouth-watering dish encapsulates the best of home cooking โ€“ familiar yet exciting, simple yet full of flavor.

Each time I prepare this recipe, it brings delight not just to me but to the whole dining table. It’s the kind of dish that turns a normal dinner into a special occasion kind of meal. If you love chicken, bacon, or honey – or better yet, all three – this is one recipe you must try.

Roast Chicken Thighs

Why You Will Love These Chicken Thighs

I’m confident that you will absolutely adore this bacon-wrapped chicken thighs recipe, and let me tell you why.

Chicken Thighs Bacon

First off, who can resist the delicious combination of tender, juicy chicken, sweet honey, and smoky bacon? The chicken, coated in a unique blend of spices, gets a deep, savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.

Plus, the aroma – oh, the aroma! As the chicken roasts, the smell that fills your kitchen is enough to make your mouth water in anticipation. It’s the kind of smell that brings everyone to the table without even having to call them.

At first glance, you might see a typical roast chicken dish, but when the aromatic smokiness of bacon mingles with the rich sweetness of honey, you realize you’re about to dive into a taste experience that’s anything but ordinary!

Which Tools Are Essential for Making Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs?

Ready to make some mouth-watering bacon-wrapped chicken thighs? Here are the essential tools you’ll need to get started.

  • Oven: Essential for roasting the chicken.
  • Mixing bowl: Useful for preparing the honey glaze.
  • Disposable food prep gloves: Helpful for handling and marinating the chicken.
  • Basting brush: Ideal for applying oil to the grill and basting the chicken.
  • Toothpicks: You need these to secure the bacon wraps around the chicken thighs, keeping them in shape while cooking.
Disposable Food Prep Gloves

Which Ingredients Do You Need for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs?

Gather these ingredients to whip up a scrumptious meal of bacon-wrapped chicken thighs that everyone will love.

  • Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicy and tender, perfect for this recipe. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer.
  • Smoked bacon: Bacon adds an extra layer of flavor and a delightful crunch.
  • For the seasoning mixture and glaze:
  • Rosemary: This aromatic herb enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a robust, earthy flavor.
  • Ground pepper: Adds mild heat to the chicken.
  • Kosher salt: Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Red pepper powder: Gives the chicken a spicy touch.
  • Dried oregano: Adds a hint of sweetness and a slight peppery note.
  • Roasted sesame seeds: These seeds contribute a pleasing crunch and a nutty flavor.
  • Annatto oil: This oil is used in the marinade to help incorporate all the flavors. It also gives the chicken a more vibrant color.
  • Honey: Honey provides a subtle sweetness and helps achieve a golden glaze on the chicken.
  • Olive oil: This oil is used for making the honey glaze and preventing the chicken from sticking to the grill.
Smoked Bacon

How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs in an Oven?

Here are the 4 main steps to make your bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with an oven:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

To start, you’ll need to season the chicken. Create a mixture using the following ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons of annatto oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Next, sprinkle in some rosemary for an aromatic touch.

Season The Chicken

Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in this mixture, paying special attention to getting some under the skin. This allows the flavor to penetrate deeply into the meat. Set your seasoned chicken aside.

Seasoned Chicken

Step 2: Wrap the Chicken in Bacon

Carefully wrap each chicken thigh with two slices of bacon. Once wrapped, secure the bacon to the chicken using a toothpick. This not only keeps the bacon in place as it shrinks while cooking but also adds a visually appealing touch to your dish.

Wrap The Chicken In Bacon

Step 3: Roast the Chicken

With the chicken prepped, it’s time to roast. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 200 degrees Celsius), ensuring a stable temperature from the onset of cooking.

To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, give it a light oil coating with a basting brush.

Oil Coating With A Basting

Once done, place the wrapped chicken on the grill and pop it in the oven. Let it cook for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pop It In The Oven

During this time, prepare a basting mixture with the following ingredients to create your glazing sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1.5 teaspoons of roasted sesame seeds
Glazing Sauce

After 15 minutes, take the chicken out of the oven and brush it with the glazing sauce. Flip the chicken thighs over, and return them to the oven.

For the next phase of roasting, reduce the temperature to 356 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 180 degrees Celsius) and let it cook for another 10 minutes.

Chicken Out And Sweep The Glazed Sauce

At this point, your kitchen should be filled with the irresistible aroma of roasting meat. You can utilize this time to prepare a simple side dish. A suggestion would be a blend of boiled curly kale, air-fryer potatoes, and zucchini, tossed with some mayonnaise.

I’ll list a couple more of my favorite accompaniments below, so remember to check them out!

Step 4: Finishing the Dish

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and serve it hot with the prepared salad on the side. And there you have it – a savory and delicious dish of bacon wrapped chicken thighs, ready for you to enjoy.

Finishing the Dish

What Are Some Helpful Tips for This Recipe?

Here are some pro tips and tricks to ensure your bacon-wrapped chicken thighs turn out perfect:

  • Adjust Spices: The proportion of the spices used in the marinade has been planned to ensure optimal flavor for the chicken. However, cooking often requires a personal touch, so adjust the quantities based on your personal preferences.
  • Use Honey Sparingly: When using honey in the glaze, less is more. An excess of honey can cause the chicken to burn in the oven, an outcome that should be avoided for the best results.
  • Dry Chicken Thighs: To ensure that your chicken thighs develop that beautifully crispy skin, remember to pat them dry before you begin the seasoning process.
  • Check Doneness: A meat thermometer is an amazing tool for checking the chicken’s doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. Aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for perfectly cooked chicken.

How To Store and Reheat?

For short-term storage, simply place the roast chicken thighs in airtight containers and refrigerate. They will stay good for up to four days.

If you’d like to store the dish for a longer period, freezing is a great option. When stored properly in a freezer-safe, airtight container, the chicken can last up to four months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy the dish again, defrost the frozen chicken in the fridge for a night and then reheat gently. For the best results, reheat in an oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Note-Worthy Variations

Looking to mix things up? Try these note-worthy variations on bacon-wrapped chicken thighs for a new twist on a classic dish.

  • Chicken Choices: For a leaner option, you can opt to use skinless or boneless chicken thighs. Just note that you might need to slightly adjust the cooking time. I recommend taking about 10 to 15 minutes from the roasting time.
  • Spice Swap: Substitute the oregano and rosemary with other spices, such as smoked paprika, thyme, or a pinch of curry powder, for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegetable Addition: Add root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or parsnips to the roasting tray. They’ll cook in the chicken juices and develop a delectable flavor.
  • Different Sweeteners: Consider using maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey for a subtle change in sweetness.
  • Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice to the marinade for a bright, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich chicken and bacon.
  • Heat Factor: If you like a bit of heat, add a little cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Side Dish Suggestions

Pair your bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with these delicious side dishes. These suggestions will make your meal even more enjoyable.

  • Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the hearty flavors of this succulent dish with an assortment of roasted veggies. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips are a great choice. You can roast them alongside the chicken.
  • Green Salad: For a light and fresh counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and bacon, consider serving a crisp green salad. Arugula or mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette would be a great choice.
  • Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans: Grilled or roasted green veggies like asparagus or green beans would make a nice side dish, providing a slight crunch and freshness.
  • Mashed Potatoes: These are a classic choice. The rich, smooth texture of the potatoes is a perfect match for the flavorsome chicken.
  • Rice or Quinoa: A fluffy bed of rice or quinoa can soak up the wonderful juices from the chicken and bacon, making it a delightful accompaniment.
  • Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken and bacon.

FAQs

The best method to ensure your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. It should reach 165 degrees F at the thickest part of the thigh.

Of course! You can leave out the bacon. The honey and spices will still make the chicken flavorful.

Yes, but remember that chicken breasts might turn out a bit drier than thighs, so be careful not to overcook them. You might also need to change the cooking time.

Of course! Do try out different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor combination. This recipe is quite versatile.

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and store it in the fridge before roasting. Allow the chicken to reach temperature before cooking.

Fans Of Chicken And Bacon Assemble!

I hope you’re excited to try these roast chicken thighs at home. Remember, cooking is about having fun and enjoying the process. So experiment with the ingredients and make this recipe truly your own!

I’m super eager to hear your thoughts on today’s recipe. Did you make any changes? How did it turn out? Please drop a comment below – your feedback means a lot! And if you enjoyed this recipe, please like and share it with your loved ones. They will adore it as much as you do.

Roast Chicken Thighs With Honey Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Bacon wrapped chicken thighs is a dish that perfectly combines savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in a symphony of taste. Don't miss out on such a mouth-watering recipe!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Multiple
Keyword: bacon wrapped chicken thighs
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Dietary Preference: Gluten-free, Keto, Low Carb
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 536kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Disposable Food Prep Gloves
  • Basting Brush
  • Toothpicks

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken thighs (about 4 chicken thighs)
  • 0.44 pounds of smoked bacon (about 8 slices)

For the marinade

  • 5 sprigs of rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons of annatto oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

For the glaze

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1.5 teaspoons of roasted sesame seeds

Instructions 

  • Create a mixture using kosher salt, ground pepper, red pepper powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, olive oil, and honey. Sprinkle in some rosemary.
    Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in this mixture, paying special attention to getting some under the skin.
    Season The Chicken
  • Set your seasoned chicken aside.
    Seasoned Chicken
  • Carefully wrap each chicken thigh with two slices of bacon. Once wrapped, secure the bacon to the chicken using a toothpick.
    Wrap The Chicken In Bacon
  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, give it a light oil coating with a basting brush.
    Oil Coating With A Basting
  • Once done, place the wrapped chicken on the grill and pop it in the oven. Let it cook for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Pop It In The Oven
  • Prepare a basting mixture with olive oil, roasted sesame seeds, and honey. This is your glazing sauce.
    Glazing Sauce
  • After 15 minutes, take the chicken out of the oven and brush it with the glazing sauce. Flip the chicken thighs over, and return them to the oven.
    Reduce the temperature to 356 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it cook for another 10 minutes.
    Chicken Out And Sweep The Glazed Sauce
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Enjoy!
    Finishing the Dish

Video

Notes

  • The proportion of the spices used in the marinade has been planned to ensure optimal flavor for the chicken. However, cooking often requires a personal touch, so adjust the quantities based on your personal preferences.
  • When using honey in the glaze, less is more. An excess of honey can cause the chicken to burn in the oven, an outcome that should be avoided for the best results.
  • To ensure that your chicken thighs develop that beautifully crispy skin, remember to pat them dry before you begin the seasoning process.
  • A meat thermometer is an amazing tool for checking the chicken’s doneness. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165 grades F for perfectly cooked chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 961mg | Potassium: 361mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 328IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
Richie

Richie

Content Writer

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Food Styling, Food Photography, Cooking-video Maker, Beverage Evaluation Expert

Education

Saigon Culinary Arts Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Vietnamese and Asian cuisines with intensive training and hands-on approach.

Vietnam Australia Vocational School (VAAC), Hanoi, Vietnam

  • Program: Bartender
  • Focus: Basic knowledge on how to store, preserve and select ingredients, and practice cocktails, mocktails, hot and cold drinks.

Richie, based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a dynamic Content Writer with a talent for capturing the essence of culinary art.

Richie specializes in creating visually appealing and tasty content, offering a new angle on Vietnamese and other culinary traditions. With a background in graphic design and a love for food styling and photography, he expertly combines beauty with food narratives, encouraging his audience to discover the culinary world through his imaginative perspective.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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