Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: The Lean Protein Powerhouse (2 lbs, Boneless, Skinless)Chicken breast forms the heart of these skewers, providing a lean protein base that soaks up flavors beautifully and stays tender when cooked correctly.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation and quicker cooking time. They are readily available and offer a blank canvas for flavor absorption.
- Chicken Thighs (Substitute for Richer Flavor): For a richer, more flavorful skewer, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs have a higher fat content than breasts, resulting in more juicy and tender skewers, especially when grilled or oven-grilled. They can withstand slightly longer cooking times without drying out.
- Chicken Tenderloins (Faster Cooking Option): Chicken tenderloins are another excellent choice for skewers. They are naturally tender and cook even faster than chicken breasts, making them ideal for quick weeknight meals. Their smaller size also makes them perfect for wrapping with bacon.
- Cutting Chicken for Skewers: Regardless of the chicken cut you choose, you’ll need to cut it into pieces suitable for skewers. Aim for 1-1.5 inch cubes or strips. Uniform size ensures even cooking. If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips or cubes, ensuring they are not too thick to cook through evenly before the bacon crisps. Chicken thighs can be cut into slightly larger pieces as they are more forgiving. Tenderloins may only need to be halved or used whole depending on their size.
- Bacon: The Smoky, Crispy Wrap of Deliciousness (1 lb, Sliced)Bacon is the star partner in this recipe, enveloping the chicken in smoky, savory goodness and crisping up to golden perfection in the oven.
- Regular Sliced Bacon: Regular sliced bacon is ideal for wrapping chicken skewers. It provides enough length to wrap around the chicken pieces without being too thick or overwhelming.
- Thick-Cut Bacon (Considerations): Thick-cut bacon can be used, but it requires slightly longer cooking time to crisp up fully. Be mindful that the chicken may cook faster than the bacon, potentially leading to slightly drier chicken if you overcook it to crisp the bacon. If using thick-cut bacon, you might consider partially cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken or adjusting oven temperature and cooking time.
- Turkey Bacon (Leaner Alternative): For a leaner option, turkey bacon can be substituted. Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories but may not crisp up as much as pork bacon. Choose a thicker-cut turkey bacon for better results.
- Bacon Flavor Variations: Explore different bacon flavors to add another layer of complexity to your skewers. Applewood smoked bacon, hickory smoked bacon, or even peppered bacon can all add unique flavor notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: The Foundation for Skewer Assembly (8-10)Skewers are essential for holding the chicken and bacon together and making them easy to handle and cook.
- Wooden Skewers (Soaking is Key): Wooden skewers are readily available and inexpensive. However, it is crucial to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or even better, an hour) before grilling or oven-grilling. Soaking prevents the skewers from burning or catching fire in the oven or grill.
- Metal Skewers (Reusable and Durable): Metal skewers are a reusable and more durable option. They do not require soaking and can be used repeatedly. Metal skewers also tend to cook food more evenly as they heat up and conduct heat from the inside out.
- Length and Type: Choose skewers that are long enough to accommodate several pieces of chicken and bacon, typically 8-12 inches in length. Flat metal skewers are particularly good for preventing food from spinning while turning.
- Olive Oil: Enhancing Moisture and Flavor (2 Tablespoons)Olive oil helps keep the chicken moist during cooking and acts as a base for seasonings to adhere to the chicken.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor and health benefits. It adds a subtle fruity note and richness to the chicken.
- Other Cooking Oils (Substitutes): Other neutral cooking oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil can be used as substitutes if olive oil is not available.
- Seasonings: Building Layers of Flavor (Variety to Taste)Seasonings are crucial for infusing the chicken with delicious flavor before it’s wrapped in bacon. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize your skewers to your liking.
- Salt and Black Pepper (Essential Base): Salt and freshly ground black pepper are fundamental seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. Season generously but not excessively.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder (Savory Depth): Garlic powder and onion powder add savory depth and umami notes that complement both chicken and bacon.
- Paprika (Smoked or Sweet for Color and Flavor): Paprika, especially smoked paprika, adds a beautiful color and smoky sweetness that enhances the bacon flavor. Sweet paprika provides color and mild sweetness.
- Italian Seasoning (Herbaceous Blend): Italian seasoning, a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, adds an herbaceous and aromatic dimension.
- Chili Powder (Warmth and Spice): Chili powder adds a warm, earthy spice and a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Cayenne Pepper (Extra Heat): For those who like it spicy, a pinch of cayenne pepper will add a significant kick of heat. Use sparingly at first.
- Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup (Sweet and Smoky Glaze): A touch of brown sugar or maple syrup can create a slightly sweet and caramelized glaze as the bacon cooks, adding a delightful sweet and smoky dimension. Combine it with other savory seasonings for a balanced flavor.
- Lemon Pepper (Zesty Brightness): Lemon pepper seasoning adds a zesty and bright citrusy note that complements the richness of the bacon and chicken.
- Pre-Made Seasoning Blends (Convenience and Variety): Utilize pre-made seasoning blends like BBQ rub, Cajun seasoning, or taco seasoning for convenient flavor boosts and to explore different flavor profiles.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If using wooden skewers, begin by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. While the skewers are soaking, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps seasonings adhere better and promotes browning. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and your chosen seasonings. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with oil and seasonings. Marinating the chicken for 15-30 minutes at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator (up to a few hours) will enhance flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary for this quick recipe.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. The wire rack is crucial for allowing air to circulate around the skewers, promoting even cooking and crisping of the bacon on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can still use a baking sheet, but the bacon on the bottom may not get as crispy.
- Assemble the Skewers: Now it’s time to assemble the magic! Take a skewer and thread a piece of seasoned chicken onto it. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around the chicken piece, overlapping slightly and ensuring the bacon end is tucked under the wrap to prevent it from unraveling during cooking. Securely wrap the bacon around the chicken, ensuring most of the chicken surface is covered. Repeat this process, threading 2-3 pieces of chicken onto each skewer and wrapping each piece with bacon. Leave a little space between the chicken pieces on the skewer to allow for even cooking.
- Arrange Skewers on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled bacon-wrapped chicken skewers in a single layer on the prepared wire rack-lined baking sheet. Ensure the skewers are not overcrowded, allowing for good air circulation. If necessary, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
- Oven-Grill the Skewers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and oven-grill for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the thickness of your bacon, as well as your oven. To ensure even cooking and browning, flip the skewers halfway through the cooking time, around 10-12 minutes. Use tongs to carefully flip the skewers.
- Checking for Doneness: Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken on a skewer to ensure it is fully cooked. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown, and the chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Optional Broiling for Extra Crispness (Watch Carefully): If you desire extra crispy bacon, you can broil the skewers for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Broiling provides intense direct heat that quickly crisps up the bacon. However, broiling requires very close attention as bacon can burn quickly under the broiler. Keep a close eye on the skewers and broil for just 1-2 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness. Remove from the oven immediately once broiled to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Once the skewers are cooked through and the bacon is crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the skewers rest for a few minutes (2-3 minutes) before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful skewers. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 250-350
- Sugar: Less than 1 gram
- Sodium: 300-500 mg
- Fat: 15-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams
- Fiber: Less than 1 gram
- Protein: 25-35 grams
- Cholesterol: 80-120 mg