Juicy chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each chicken thigh with two slices of bacon, securing the ends underneath.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in the skillet, seam-side down, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bacon begins to crisp.
- Glaze and Bake:
- Pour the glaze over the chicken thighs in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can brush the chicken with the glaze from the pan to ensure a glossy finish.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy bacon, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to the glaze for a tangy twist.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika in the glaze.
- If you don’t have an oven safe pan, sear the chicken in a pan, and transfer the chicken to a baking dish to bake.