Bacon-wrapped chicken is a beloved recipe combining two crowd-pleasing ingredients But what if you only have cooked chicken on hand? Can you wrap raw bacon around previously cooked chicken to recreate this tasty dish?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Raw bacon should never be wrapped around cooked chicken for food safety reasons. However, with some preparation, you can still enjoy delicious bacon-wrapped chicken using leftover cooked chicken.
Read on for a complete guide to safely savoring this classic meal.
Why You Can’t Wrap Raw Bacon Around Cooked Chicken
It may seem like a shortcut to wrap raw bacon around already cooked chicken pieces. However, this method poses some risks:
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Undercooked bacon – Raw bacon takes time to cook through fully. Wrapping it around hot cooked chicken means the bacon won’t heat evenly. This leaves the potential for undercooked, unsafe bacon.
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Foodborne illness – Undercooked bacon can harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella and E, coli Consuming undercooked pork increases the risk of foodborne disease
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Poor texture – Raw bacon won’t adhere properly to the cooked chicken, leading to a messy, unsatisfying texture.
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Off flavors – Partial cooking of the bacon will lead to a taste and mouthfeel that seems “off”.
For these reasons, food safety experts advise against wrapping raw bacon around cooked chicken. Doing so provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria leading to a potentially unsafe final product.
Enjoying Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with Leftovers
Just because you can’t wrap raw bacon around cooked chicken doesn’t mean you have to forgo this tasty dish if you have leftover chicken. With some preparation, you can make delicious bacon-wrapped chicken starting with pre-cooked chicken.
Here are some safe options:
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Chop and wrap pieces – Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Wrap each piece with a strip of raw bacon and secure with a toothpick. Bake or grill until the bacon is fully cooked.
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Make chicken salad – Dice or shred leftover chicken and mix into chicken salad. Top the salad with crumbled fully cooked bacon just before serving.
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Add cooked crumbles – Sauté vegetables or grains like fried rice. Stir in diced cooked chicken and top with cooked crumbled bacon at the end.
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Use in casseroles or pasta – Incorporate chopped cooked chicken into casseroles, pasta bakes, or soups. Garnish with crispy cooked bacon for crunch.
With some creativity, you can transform leftover cooked chicken into tasty bacon-wrapped versions that are both safe and satisfying.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Chicken is So Popular
What makes this recipe so beloved in the first place? Here’s why bacon-wrapped chicken is a crowd-pleasing hit:
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Dynamic textures – The crispy salty bacon pairs perfectly with the juicy tender chicken.
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Smoky and savory – Bacon’s signature smokiness gives a flavor boost to mild chicken.
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Endless variations – Get creative with different seasonings, fillings, sauces and sides.
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Easy to make – Chicken and bacon cook well together. Minimal prep needed.
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Impressive presentation – Looks fancy but is easy enough for a weekday dinner.
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Kid-friendly – Little ones will devour these two family-favorite ingredients together.
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Protein power – Each serving provides a hearty hit of satisfying protein.
It’s easy to see why this combination is so universally loved. The flavors and textures balance each other beautifully.
How to Make Foolproof Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Want to prepare fail-proof bacon-wrapped chicken from scratch? Follow these helpful tips:
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Choose bone-in chicken – Opt for bone-in cuts like drums or thighs. The bones add moisture and flavor. Breasts work too.
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Partially cook bacon – Pre-cook bacon 2-3 minutes before wrapping to prevent undercooking.
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Season chicken first – Rub chicken pieces all over with spices or herbs before wrapping.
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Wrap tightly – Wrap each piece fully with bacon overlapping edges. Secure with toothpicks.
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Cook at high heat – Bake at 425°F or grill on high heat to crisp bacon and cook chicken.
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Use a meat thermometer – Cook until thermometer inserted in thickest part of chicken reads 165°F.
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Let rest before serving – Allow to rest 5 minutes so juices redistribute. Discard toothpicks.
Follow these steps, and you’ll achieve perfect bacon-wrapped chicken every time.
Creative Recipe Ideas
Bacon-wrapped chicken accepts a wide variety of flavors. Try these tasty seasoning ideas:
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BBQ – Rub with barbecue seasoning before wrapping for smoky flavor.
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Cajun – A Cajun spice blend adds some Louisiana-inspired heat.
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Italian – Fresh rosemary, oregano, garlic, and lemon zest give an Italian twist.
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Southwestern – Cumin, chili powder, garlic, and cayenne lend Southwestern flair.
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Hawaiian – Brush with a sweet pineapple and soy glaze during cooking.
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Buffalo – Toss cooked chicken pieces in spicy buffalo sauce before wrapping in bacon.
The possibilities are endless for customizing bacon-wrapped chicken to suit your tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about cooking chicken and bacon? Here are answers to some common queries:
How long does it take to cook bacon-wrapped chicken?
Cooking time will vary based on thickness. Allow 15-20 minutes in a 400°F oven or 10-15 minutes on a preheated grill.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Bone-in cuts like drumsticks and thighs hold up well. Breasts work too but may dry out faster.
Does the bacon need to be fully cooked first?
For food safety, it’s best to partially pre-cook bacon before wrapping to prevent bacterial contamination.
Can you freeze bacon-wrapped chicken?
Yes, wrap each piece well in plastic wrap then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before cooking.
Safely Enjoy This Dynamic Duo
Bacon-wrapped chicken is hard to beat for convenience, kid-appeal and dynamic textures and flavors. While you can’t wrap raw bacon around cooked chicken, with some easy preparation you can safely enjoy this classic recipe using leftover chicken. Brush up on proper technique and helpful tips so you can serve this crowd-pleasing combo any night of the week.