- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Season Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. If you like a touch of sweetness, you can also sprinkle brown sugar over the chicken.
- Wrap Chicken with Bacon:
- Wrap each seasoned chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon. Secure the bacon in place by inserting toothpicks through the loose ends of the bacon into the chicken.
- Sear Bacon-Wrapped Chicken (Optional):
- If you prefer, you can sear the bacon-wrapped chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to partially cook the bacon and add extra flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended.
- Place on Wire Rack:
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on the wire rack on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
- Broil (Optional):
- If the bacon needs more crisping, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes under the broiler. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest:
- Allow the bacon-wrapped chicken to rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks.
- Serve:
- Slice the bacon-wrapped chicken and serve. It pairs well with your favorite side dishes or a simple green salad.
Enjoy the delightful combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon in this tasty and easy-to-make dish!