Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary taste experience! These Sweet Heat Bacon Wrapped Smoked Chicken Breasts are not just a meal, but a symphony of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in crispy bacon, infused with a tantalizing blend of brown sugar, chili powder, and a kick of cayenne that will send your palate on a thrilling journey.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect heat at 225-250°F, using hickory or applewood chips for additional smoky flavor.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and bacon adherence.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
- Generously coat each chicken breast with the spice mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Wrap each seasoned chicken breast with 2 overlapping bacon slices, completely covering the chicken and securing the bacon ends underneath.
- Place bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a clean smoking rack, leaving space between each piece for proper smoke circulation.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of one chicken breast to monitor internal temperature.
- Smoke the chicken for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and bacon is crisp.
- Remove from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Wood Chip Selection: Choose hickory or applewood chips for the most complementary smoky flavor. Each wood type will subtly enhance the meat's taste profile.
- Temperature Precision: Maintain a consistent smoker temperature between 225-250°F for even cooking and optimal smoke penetration.
- Bacon Wrapping Technique: Overlap bacon slices completely and secure underneath to prevent unraveling during smoking.
- Moisture is Key: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help the spice rub adhere and create a perfect flavor crust.
- Don't Rush the Rest: Allow the smoked chicken to rest for 10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Thermometer is Your Friend: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish Option: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a bright, fresh finish to your smoky masterpiece.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
