Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon – A Sweet and Savory Comfort Food Delight
If you’re looking for a flavorful dinner that balances sweet, savory, and smoky elements in one perfect bite, this Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts are lightly coated and pan-seared, then glazed with a rich, sticky maple sauce and topped with crunchy bacon pieces. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home, and it’s guaranteed to impress anyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients and super easy to prepare. It combines:
- Protein-rich chicken breasts that are lean and filling.
- Crispy bacon for texture and deep flavor.
- Real maple syrup, which provides natural sweetness and antioxidants.
- Garlic and soy sauce for savory depth.
- A touch of butter to round out the glaze and give it a silky finish.
Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice, this dish is a family favorite that works for weeknight meals or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Place the flour in a shallow dish, and season it with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure all sides are coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until crispy and browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
To the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the floured chicken breasts. Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Maple Glaze
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Allow the sauce to bubble and reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes, stirring often until it becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for about 1 minute to soak in the flavors. Then, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the glazed chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter rice, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad to balance the meal.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Tips for Success
- Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup or imitation versions, for the best flavor.
- For extra crispiness, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after glazing.
- You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version or skip the bacon for a meat-free glaze.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutritional Highlights
- Chicken: High in lean protein, helps with muscle repair and satiety.
- Maple Syrup: Provides natural sugars and small amounts of zinc and manganese.
- Bacon: Adds flavor and crunch—just a little goes a long way.