Print

Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Recipe

Print Recipe

Juicy chicken breasts coated in a rich, irresistible bacon brown sugar glaze. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (the real stuff!)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet (cast iron is ideal), cook bacon pieces over medium heat until crispy and golden brown (8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
  2. Add Brown Sugar: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add brown sugar to the skillet with bacon grease. Stir constantly until melted and smooth (2-3 minutes).
  3. Incorporate Liquids: Pour in maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Stir in red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Simmer the Glaze: Bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  6. Add Bacon Back In: Remove from heat and add cooked bacon pieces back into the glaze. Stir gently to coat.
  7. Pound the Chicken (Optional): If chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
  8. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts.
  9. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  10. Add the Glaze: Pour the bacon brown sugar glaze over the chicken breasts, coating evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Baste the Chicken: During the last few minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the glaze.
  12. Rest the Chicken: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cast iron skillet is recommended for the glaze, but any skillet will work.
  • Be careful not to burn the brown sugar.
  • Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or salad.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/bacon-brown-sugar-chicken/