Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe | Sweet, Savory & Crispy Good

When I first made this Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe, I knew I had a winner. The blend of sweet maple glaze, savory bacon, and mellow garlic made every bite feel special. I couldn’t wait to share it with friends, who then asked for seconds.

It’s a dish I now turn to when I want something impressive but quick. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s still weeknight-friendly, this is it — or you can also enjoy the Cod Provençal with Tomatoes, Capers, and Olives Recipe for a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use — with tips and explanations to help you choose wisely:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — these cook evenly and absorb sauce well.
¼ cup all-purpose flour — for dredging, to help the sauce cling and build a light crust.
½ tsp garlic powder — boosts garlic notes without burning (fresh garlic is used later).
½ tsp smoked paprika — adds mild smokiness and color depth.
Salt and pepper, to taste — essential seasoning to bring out flavors.
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled — crisp bacon adds texture and savory contrast.
2 tbsp olive oil — for searing chicken without sticking.

For the Maple Garlic Sauce:

¼ cup pure maple syrup — use real maple syrup (not pancake syrup) for depth of flavor.
3 tsp soy sauce — gives umami and balances the sweetness.
2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives that punch you want in a glaze.
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar — adds acidity to cut through sweetness.
2 tbsp unsalted butter — enriches the sauce and helps it thicken.

Note: serves 4

Variations

You can tweak this recipe to suit dietary needs or flavor experiments:

Dairy-free: Replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.
Sugar-reduced / lighter: Use a sugar-free maple syrup or reduce maple syrup to 3 tbsp and compensate with a splash of water or broth.
For spice lovers: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Herb twist: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary into the sauce for extra herbal notes.
Swap bacon: Use turkey bacon for a leaner option (though texture will differ).
Chicken thigh version: Use boneless, skinless thighs — they stay juicier but take slightly longer.

You can also serve it alongside crispy Oven Baked Hash Browns Recipe for a comforting, hearty meal combo that everyone will love.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long each part takes:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet (nonstick or heavy-bottomed) — to sear chicken and reduce sauce.
Mixing bowl / shallow dish — for dredging the chicken in flour and seasoning.
Tongs or spatula — to flip and handle the chicken safely.
Knife and cutting board — to mince garlic and prep ingredients.
Measuring cups & spoons — for accuracy in sauce balance.

How to Make Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe Name?

1 Prepare and Dredge the Chicken

I combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Then I coat each chicken breast, shaking off excess so the flour layer is even but not gummy.

2 Sear the Chicken

I heat olive oil in my skillet over medium heat, then sear each chicken breast for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I then remove them and set aside.

3 Make the Maple Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant. Then I stir in maple syrup, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar and let it simmer until slightly thickened.

4 Combine and Finish

I return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it so each piece is glazed. Finally, I sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top and let it all cook together 2–3 more minutes to meld flavors.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Having made it several times, here are things I’ve learned that help:

I always let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking so juices redistribute.
I undercooked bacon just a little — it crisps more in the sauce without turning rubbery.
I occasionally baste the chicken with sauce mid-sear for deeper flavor.
I use a silicone spatula to gently move chicken; it prevents scraping off the coating.

How to Serve Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken Recipe Name?

I like to serve it on a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Drizzle extra sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for color and brightness. For presentation, I align the chicken pieces slightly overlapping and scatter the crisp bacon bits over, then spoon sauce pools around the plate.

Nutritional Information

Just to give you a ballpark idea, here’s what one serving contributes:

Calories: ~ 430 kcal
Protein: ~ 35-40 g (mainly from the chicken and bacon)
Carbohydrates: ~ 20-25 g (from maple syrup and flour)
Fat: ~ 20–25 g (from bacon, butter, and oil)

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Once cooled, I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze portions (without crisp garnish) in freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning extra sauce to revive flavor and moisture. Microwaving is okay but I recommend short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons I always keep this recipe in my rotation:

It’s quick — under 30 minutes from start to finish.
The flavor balance — sweet, savory, smoky, garlicky — is irresistible.
It’s versatile — you can serve it with many sides and tweak the sauce.
It’s impressive but easy — feels like restaurant quality without fuss.
You can adapt it (dairy-free, leaner bacon, spicy) and it still shines.

Ash Tyrrell