Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken

This honey garlic bacon chicken transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The combination of crispy bacon and tender chicken bathed in a sticky honey garlic sauce creates a dish that disappears from plates in record time.

I first created this recipe when trying to upgrade our boring chicken routine, and it's now requested at least twice a month by my husband who claims it's "restaurant quality without the restaurant price."

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide the perfect canvas for our flavorful sauce and stay tender when cooked properly
• Thick cut bacon adds a smoky richness that elevates the entire dish
• Flour creates a light coating that helps the sauce cling to every bite of chicken
• Garlic forms the aromatic foundation of our sauce
• Honey delivers natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
• Soy sauce balances the sweetness with savory umami notes
• Apple cider vinegar brightens the sauce with subtle acidity
• Dijon mustard adds complexity and helps emulsify the sauce
• Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crisp the Bacon

Cook chopped bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until they reach the perfect crispy texture. This usually takes about 5 minutes, but watch carefully as thick-cut bacon can burn quickly. Remove the crispy bits to a paper towel and reserve one tablespoon of that liquid gold bacon grease in the pan.

Prepare the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before lightly dredging in flour. This thin coating will help create a golden exterior and thicken our sauce later. Shake off any excess flour to prevent burning in the pan.

Sear the Chicken

Add olive oil to the reserved bacon grease and heat until shimmering. Place the floured chicken breasts in the hot pan without overcrowding. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through to 165°F. Remove to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Create the Sauce

Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for just one minute until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, whisking to combine. Let this mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over each piece. Allow everything to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken can absorb some of the sauce. Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the top just before serving.

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The bacon is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. While it might be tempting to use pre-cooked bacon bits, taking the time to crisp fresh bacon in the same pan infuses the entire dish with that unmistakable smoky flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare the entire recipe, allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce which will have thickened considerably in the refrigerator.

Perfect Pairings

The sweet and savory sauce begs to be soaked up by a starchy side. Fluffy white rice captures every drop, while mashed potatoes create a comforting base. For a lighter option, steamed broccoli or green beans provide a wonderful textural contrast and soak up just enough sauce to become flavor vehicles themselves.

Smart Substitutions

No chicken breasts? Boneless thighs work beautifully and often stay even more tender. Turkey cutlets can also substitute nicely.

If you avoid pork, turkey bacon creates a similar effect with a different flavor profile, or simply omit the bacon and use olive oil throughout for a still-delicious dish.

For a gluten-free version, replace the flour with cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I cook the bacon for this dish?

Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then remove and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease for the sauce.

→ Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the bone-in chicken cooks through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ What’s the purpose of dredging the chicken in flour?

Dredging the chicken in flour helps create a light golden crust when seared, adding texture and enhancing flavor.

→ Can I replace soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce.

→ How can I thicken the sauce if needed?

Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally. If necessary, a small cornstarch slurry can be added for additional thickening.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and reheat gently on the stove before serving.