Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and set aside on a clean surface.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture generously over all sides of each chicken breast, coating them fully. Press the freshly grated Parmesan cheese firmly onto all surfaces of each piece of chicken so it adheres well.
- Wrap 2-3 strips of bacon around each chicken breast snugly, overlapping slightly and tucking the ends underneath. Place each wrapped breast seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer and the bacon is browned. If desired, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra-crispy bacon — watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to help the bacon crisp back up. To freeze, assemble unbaked chicken and freeze on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Lighter Option: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon and use olive oil in place of butter to reduce the saturated fat content. The chicken will still be incredibly flavorful and nutritious — a great option if you're watching your fat intake.
Sodium Tip: The bacon and Parmesan cheese both contribute significant sodium to this dish. To keep sodium in check, use unsalted butter, low-sodium bacon if available, and taste before adding any additional salt to the garlic butter coating.