Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

Golden chicken breasts are first seared with a touch of flour, gaining flavorful crispness and a light, appealing crust. Bacon is cooked until crispy, then reserved while aromatic garlic softens in rendered drippings. A blend of honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar transforms into a glossy glaze, simmered to the perfect thickness. The chicken nestles back into the skillet, absorbing the sweet-savory sauce before a final scatter of bacon. A garnish of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, balancing the rich flavors in every bite. Serve warm for a comforting family meal.

Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:45:59 GMT
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If you love comforting chicken dishes with big flavor and a sweet-savory kick this Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken is going to become a regular at your table The combination of smoky bacon sticky honey and garlicky sauce elevates simple chicken breasts to something extra special My first version happened on a chilly night when I needed to use up a few pantry ingredients and now my family asks for this anytime we want real comfort food

When I first tried this twist I was amazed how easy but impressive it felt Everyone went back for seconds and asked when we could have it again

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook and pairs perfectly with bold flavors Choose plump pieces for juiciness
  • Thick-cut bacon: Adds smoky depth and pops of crunch Look for bacon with even fat and meat thickness
  • Flour: Light dredging gives chicken a golden crust and seals in moisture Go for all-purpose for best texture
  • Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in both chicken and sauce Use kosher salt for easy control if available
  • Olive oil: Brings a subtle richness Use a fresh bottle for clean flavor
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves make all the difference for punchy savory taste Pick tight heavy heads
  • Honey: Balances the salt and smoke with gentle sweetness Use pure honey not the sugar blends if possible
  • Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness and helps the sauce caramelize Choose a lower sodium soy if you want more control
  • Apple cider vinegar: A splash of tanginess cuts through the richness Look for one with the mother for fuller taste
  • Dijon mustard: Lends sharpness and helps thicken the sauce Choose stone-ground Dijon if you like extra texture
  • Fresh parsley: The finishing touch for freshness and color Flat-leaf gives a stronger flavor and looks vibrant

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Crisp Bacon:
Cook the chopped bacon pieces in a large skillet on medium heat Stir frequently until the bacon is brown and crispy This usually takes about eight to ten minutes Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside Carefully reserve about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet to add smoky flavor to the rest of the dish
Season and Dredge Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides Lightly dredge the chicken in flour so all surfaces are coated but shake off any extra The flour creates a light crust
Sear Chicken:
Add olive oil to the bacon fat in the skillet Heat over medium and lay the floured chicken breasts flat in the pan Cook for four to five minutes without moving until the underside is golden brown Flip and cook the second side until also golden and cooked through with juices running clear Total time depends on breast thickness Remove the chicken and keep warm tented with foil
Build Sweet Garlic Sauce:
Add minced garlic to the hot pan with bacon fat Lower heat to avoid burning Stir constantly for about one minute just until the garlic smells fragrant Pour in honey soy sauce apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard Stir and scrape any browned bits from the pan Bring the sauce to a low simmer and let it bubble gently for three to four minutes It should get glossy and begin to thicken
Finish and Serve:
Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet Spoon some sauce over each piece and allow them to simmer in the sauce for two to three minutes Return the crispy bacon to the pan Scatter it all over the top Warm everything together so the flavors meld
Garnish and Plate:
Transfer the chicken breasts to plates or a platter Drizzle with a little extra sauce and a generous pinch of chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness
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I have a special place in my heart for really good thick-cut bacon The way it crisps up in this dish always gets my family to gather around the kitchen just waiting for that first taste Whenever I make this everybody acts like it is a holiday meal

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days I like to warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce The chicken stays moist and the flavors blend even more overnight This also makes a great meal prep option for busy weeks

Ingredient Swaps

If you do not have apple cider vinegar you can use a splash of fresh lemon juice or even white wine vinegar Turkey bacon works if you want a lighter version and chicken thighs are delicious as a substitute for breasts Gluten free flour blends work equally well for dredging

Serving Ideas

I love to serve this chicken over fluffy mashed potatoes or simple steamed rice so the extra sauce does not go to waste A side dish of sautéed green beans or roasted carrots pairs nicely for a complete meal If you are serving guests add a mixed green salad for balance

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A Bit of Background

Dishes combining honey garlic and soy sauce are popular in both Western and Asian kitchens This recipe blends those familiar flavors with a classic American bacon twist The result is comforting homestyle food with a modern edge

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the chicken moist?

Sear chicken on medium heat, avoiding overcooking, and let it finish in the sauce to retain juiciness.

→ Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Boneless thighs work well, adjusting cooking time as needed to reach doneness without drying out.

→ Is thick-cut bacon necessary?

Thick-cut bacon is recommended for hearty texture but regular bacon may also be used if preferred.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

Prepare elements separately and combine with sauce before serving; reheat gently to preserve texture.

→ Which side dishes pair best?

Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed greens complement the sweet-salty chicken perfectly.

Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken

Golden chicken, crispy bacon, and honey garlic sauce make a satisfying skillet entree for any meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Protein

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

→ Staples

03 ½ cup flour
04 1 tsp salt
05 1/8 tsp black pepper

→ Oil and Fats

06 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Aromatics

07 6 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce Ingredients

08 ⅓ cup honey
09 ¼ cup soy sauce
10 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
11 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

→ Garnish

12 Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside, reserving 1 tbsp of bacon grease.

Step 02

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge them in flour. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sear the chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

Step 03

In the skillet, add garlic to the reserved bacon grease and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 04

Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Plate the chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Mixing spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy (from soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425.5
  • Total Fat: 18.4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24.2 g
  • Protein: 38.7 g