Get ready to transform your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this mouthwatering Bacon Wrapped Chicken that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine crispy, golden bacon hugging tender chicken breasts, glazed with a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This recipe is not just a meal - it's a culinary adventure that combines the irresistible crunch of bacon with the rich, complex flavors of tamarind, creating a dish that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Wrap each chicken breast completely with 2 slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon is snug and covers the entire surface of the chicken. Secure bacon ends with toothpicks if needed.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, honey, and soy sauce until well combined to create the tamarind sauce.
- Place bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Brush half of the tamarind sauce over the bacon-wrapped chicken, reserving the remaining sauce for later.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and bacon is crisp and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Brush with remaining tamarind sauce before serving.
- Remove toothpicks, slice chicken, and serve hot with additional tamarind sauce on the side if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before wrapping to ensure the bacon gets crispy and adheres well.
- Use toothpicks strategically to keep the bacon in place, but remember to remove them before serving.
- For extra crispy bacon, start with slightly thinner bacon slices and make sure they're wrapped tightly around the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness without drying out.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- If you want an extra flavor boost, consider adding a light sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the chicken before wrapping.
- The tamarind sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making meal prep even easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
