BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs Recipe

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs Recipe For Smoky Grilled Perfection

Succulent bbq bacon wrapped chicken thighs represent pure comfort food magic that sparks instant excitement for home cooks everywhere.

Sizzling and smoky flavors merge into an incredibly satisfying meal perfect for backyard gatherings or casual weekend dinners.

Crispy bacon creates an irresistible outer layer that seals in juicy chicken goodness with every delectable bite.

Bold and hearty, this dish promises to satisfy serious meat lovers seeking maximum flavor and texture in one spectacular recipe.

Minimal preparation meets maximum deliciousness, ensuring you can craft something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen.

Weekend warriors and protein enthusiasts will appreciate how quickly these mouthwatering morsels come together with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

What Makes Bbq Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs So Juicy

  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of bacon, BBQ sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates an incredible taste that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Potential: This dish is guaranteed to impress friends and family at backyard gatherings, bringing everyone together with its irresistible aroma and delicious flavor.
  • Super Simple Prep: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even kitchen beginners can nail this recipe and feel like a grilling champion.
  • Protein-Packed Meal: Chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon deliver a satisfying protein punch that keeps your hunger totally in check and energy levels high.

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs (6): These juicy cuts are perfect for grilling and will absorb all the delicious seasoning and smoky flavor.
  • Bacon Strips (12): Two crispy strips wrap around each thigh, adding incredible richness and creating a golden, crunchy exterior.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Onion Powder (1 tsp), Paprika (1 tsp): These spices create a balanced, savory blend that enhances your chicken’s natural taste.
  • Salt (1/2 tsp), Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Simple seasonings that bring out the meat’s depth and provide a classic flavor foundation.
Finishing Touch:
  • BBQ Sauce (1/4 cup): This sweet and tangy sauce will caramelize beautifully on the grill, giving your chicken a glossy, flavorful coating.

Common Prep Tools for Bbq Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

  • Grill: A medium-high temperature grill that gives your bacon-wrapped chicken those perfect crispy edges and smoky flavor.
  • Meat Thermometer: Essential tool to check your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without cutting into the meat.
  • Tongs: Long-handled tongs help you safely flip and move your chicken thighs on the hot grill grates without burning your hands.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining your dry seasoning ingredients before coating your chicken.
  • Toothpicks: Handy for securing bacon strips around your chicken thighs so they stay neat during grilling.
  • Paper Towels: Great for patting your chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help the spices stick better.
  • Pastry Brush: Helpful for evenly spreading BBQ sauce over your chicken during the final minutes of grilling.

How to Make BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

How to Make BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
1

Prep Chicken

Grab those chicken thighs and give them a good pat down with paper towels. We want them nice and dry so the seasoning sticks perfectly.

2

Mix Seasoning Blend

Grab a small bowl and combine these spices:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.

3

Season the Meat

Sprinkle that delicious seasoning blend all over both sides of the chicken thighs. Make sure every inch gets some flavor love.

4

Bacon Wrap

Take 2 bacon strips for each chicken thigh and wrap them completely around the meat. Secure with toothpicks if the bacon wants to slip around.

5

Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to 375°F. This is the perfect temperature to get that bacon crispy and the chicken cooked through.

6

First Side Cooking

Place those bacon-wrapped beauties on the grill grates. Let them sizzle for 10-12 minutes on the first side.

7

Flip and Continue

Carefully turn the chicken thighs over. Cook for another 10-12 minutes to ensure even cooking.

8

Add BBQ Sauce

During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, grab your 1/4 cup BBQ sauce and brush it generously over the chicken.

9

Check Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits 165°F. This ensures the chicken is perfectly safe to eat.

10

Rest and Serve

Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Remove those toothpicks and get ready to dig in while it’s hot and juicy.

Tried And True Notes For Bbq Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

  • Always pat those chicken thighs super dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and create perfect crispy bacon.
  • Mix your spices in advance and sprinkle generously over each thigh, making sure every inch gets flavor love.
  • Wrap each thigh completely with bacon strips, overlapping slightly to ensure full coverage and maximum deliciousness.
  • Keep your grill around 375°F and give chicken plenty of space to cook evenly without sticking or burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F – no guesswork means perfectly safe and juicy chicken every single time.

Creative Variations For BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

  • Oven Baked Version: Swap grill for oven at 425°F, place chicken on wire rack over baking sheet, cook 25-30 minutes until bacon crisps and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Replace regular BBQ sauce with hot sriracha or chipotle BBQ sauce, adding 1-2 tablespoons extra for bold heat across your chicken thighs.
  • Low Carb Option: Select sugar-free BBQ sauce and use thick-cut bacon to keep protein high while reducing overall carbohydrate content during preparation.
  • Herb Infused Alternative: Substitute half of seasoning mix with dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a fresh garden flavor profile that complements the bacon and chicken perfectly.

Pairing And Serving Notes For Bbq Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

  • Serve with Crisp Salad: Pair these juicy thighs with a light, tangy coleslaw or fresh green salad to balance the rich, smoky flavors of the bacon and BBQ sauce.
  • Choose the Right Sides: Creamy mac and cheese or grilled corn on the cob make perfect companions that complement the chicken’s savory profile.
  • Beverage Pairing: Crack open a cold beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness and enhance your meal’s overall taste.
  • Garnish Smartly: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top to add a bright, fresh touch that makes your plate look as good as it tastes.

Practical Storage Notes For BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

  • Refrigerate leftover BBQ bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and tasty for quick reheating.
  • Freeze individual thighs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, which allows easy single-serving meals for later enjoyment.
  • Store raw seasoned chicken thighs in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days before cooking to maintain optimal food safety and flavor.
  • When reheating stored chicken, warm in the oven at 350°F to help preserve the bacon’s crispness and prevent drying out the meat.

Bbq Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs Q&A

FAQ

Can I use a different type of bacon?

Thick-cut or regular bacon both work great. Just make sure the bacon fully covers the chicken and crisps up nicely.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries! Bake these in a 375°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for similar results.

FAQ

How do I prevent the bacon from burning?

Keep your grill at medium-high heat and watch closely. Move chicken to cooler spots if bacon starts getting too dark.

FAQ

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Season and wrap the chicken up to a day before grilling. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.

FAQ

Should the bacon be raw when wrapping?

Yes, use uncooked bacon. It will crisp and cook perfectly while grilling with the chicken.

FAQ

What BBQ sauce works best?

Any sauce you enjoy is perfect. Sweet, tangy, or spicy varieties all complement the bacon and chicken nicely.

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BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs Recipe

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 32-34 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs deliver pure smoky comfort right from your grill, turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that brings backyard barbecue dreams to life with crispy, flavorful results your friends will devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 12 bacon strips

Seasoning Blend:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Grab paper towels and thoroughly dab 6 chicken thighs to eliminate excess moisture.
  2. Combine 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Sprinkle the entire seasoning blend uniformly across both surfaces of each chicken thigh.
  4. Take 2 bacon strips per chicken thigh and carefully wrap them completely around the meat, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Use toothpicks to anchor bacon strips if they seem loose or likely to unravel during cooking.
  6. Fire up your grill to medium-high heat, targeting exactly 375°F.
  7. Carefully position bacon-wrapped chicken thighs directly on clean grill grates.
  8. Grill for 10-12 minutes on the first side, allowing bacon to transform into a crispy golden layer.
  9. Rotate chicken thighs and continue grilling for another 10-12 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  10. During the final 3-4 minutes, generously brush ¼ cup BBQ sauce across the surface of each thigh.
  11. Confirm chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.
  12. Transfer grilled thighs to a resting plate and allow 5 minutes for juices to redistribute.
  13. Remove all toothpicks before serving and savor your hot, flavorful creation.

Notes

  • Make sure your bacon is slightly thinner so it crisps perfectly around the chicken thighs without burning.
  • Select chicken thighs with similar sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent doneness across all pieces.
  • For a low-carb version, choose a sugar-free BBQ sauce or use a dry rub without added sugars.
  • Wooden toothpicks should be soaked in water for 10 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22-24 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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