Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Recipe
Imagine savoring the mouthwatering blend of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and rich maple flavors all in the comfort of your own home. Look no further than Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Recipe.
In this blog, we’re about to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Today, we’re diving into the world of the Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken recipe.
Whether you’re a fan of this popular restaurant chain or simply a lover of delicious, homemade meals, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your repertoire.
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Ingredients Required for Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Recipe
- 3 chicken breasts
- Bacon strips
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment & Tools Required
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Basting brush
- Oven
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 3
Let’s Make Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Copycat
Step-01: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure easy cleanup later.
Step-02: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with the minced garlic. This sweet garlic mixture will add a delightful flavor to your chicken.
Step-03: Season each chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, spread half of the sweet garlic mixture evenly on top of each chicken breast.
Step-04: Next, take your bacon strips and layer them on top of each other. Slightly overlap the strips. Carefully place a seasoned chicken breast on top of the bacon strips and wrap the bacon around the chicken. This step not only adds a smoky flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Step-05: Carefully transfer each bacon-wrapped chicken breast to the parchment-covered baking sheet. Sprinkle any leftover sweet garlic mixture on top of the chicken breasts. This will create a caramelized, flavorful glaze as it bakes.
Step-06: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. During this time, make sure to brush the chicken breasts with the caramelized sugar and meat juices every 10 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and keep the chicken moist.
Step-07: Once the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve your Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Please watch the provided video for a more comprehensive understanding.
Serving Ideas for Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken
1. Classic Side Dish Combo: Serve your Maple Bacon Chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. The savory-sweet chicken pairs perfectly with creamy potatoes and crisp veggies.
2. Maple Glazed Carrots: Create a side of maple-glazed carrots by sautéing sliced carrots in a mixture of butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until they’re tender and caramelized.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Keep the bacon theme going by roasting bacon-wrapped asparagus alongside the chicken. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for extra flavor.
4. Rice Pilaf: Serve the chicken on a bed of fragrant rice pilaf made with herbs, chicken broth, and a touch of lemon zest for freshness.
5. Mixed Green Salad: Balance the richness of the chicken with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing. Add some candied pecans or sliced apples for extra crunch and sweetness.
6. Sweet Potato Mash: Swap regular mashed potatoes for sweet potato mash. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the chicken beautifully.
7. Homemade Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with a hint of sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory bacon and maple glaze of the chicken.
8. Cornbread: Serve your Maple Bacon Chicken with a side of warm, buttery cornbread. The sweet and savory flavors will harmonize deliciously.
9. Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts with a honey glaze. The slight bitterness of the sprouts contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the chicken.
Some tips for Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Recipe
1. Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality chicken breasts and bacon for the best results. Fresh, well-marbled bacon and tender chicken will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
2. Room Temperature Chicken: Allow your chicken breasts to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before seasoning and wrapping with bacon. This ensures even cooking.
3. Thick-Cut Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon as it holds its shape better while wrapping around the chicken and delivers a smokier flavor.
4. Secure with Toothpicks: To prevent the bacon from unraveling during baking, secure the ends with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving.
5. Sweet Garlic Marinade: Marinate the chicken in the sweet garlic mixture for at least 15-20 minutes before wrapping it in bacon. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
6. Use a Basting Brush: A basting brush is your best friend during baking. It helps evenly distribute the caramelized sugar and meat juices, creating a delicious glaze and preventing dryness.
7. Crispy Bacon: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can broil the chicken for a couple of minutes at the end of the cooking time. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
8. Variation with Maple Syrup: If you’re a fan of intense maple flavor, drizzle a bit of real maple syrup over the chicken before baking. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and authenticity.
In this blog, we’ve unraveled the secrets behind the Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken recipe, transforming it from a restaurant delight into a dish you can enjoy in the cozy confines of your home.
With its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, making every mealtime a memorable experience.
So, fire up your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary adventure that will have you coming back for seconds and sharing the joy of Homemade Maple Bacon Chicken with all those you hold dear.
FAQs on Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions and their short answers on Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Recipe
1. What is Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken?
Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken is a popular dish served at Cracker Barrel restaurants. It features seasoned grilled chicken breast topped with maple glaze and bacon.
2. How many carbs are in Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken?
The exact carb count can vary depending on the specific preparation and portion size, but it typically contains around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates.
3. Is Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken gluten-free?
No, it is not gluten-free due to the use of flour in the breading and potential gluten in the sauce.
4. Can I make Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken at home?
Yes, you can recreate this dish at home using various online recipes that mimic the flavors of the Cracker Barrel version.
5. Is Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken spicy?
No, it is not typically spicy. The flavor profile is more sweet and savory due to the maple glaze and bacon.
6. Can you fry chicken in bacon grease?
Yes, you can fry chicken in bacon grease. It can add a rich, smoky flavor to the chicken, but be mindful of the high fat content.
7. What sides are commonly served with Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken?
Common side dishes include mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, and cornbread.
8. Is Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken a healthy option?
It is not considered a low-calorie or low-fat option due to the presence of bacon and the maple glaze. It’s best enjoyed in moderation.
9. Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer a leaner option.
10. Is Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken available year-round at Cracker Barrel restaurants?
Availability may vary by location, but it is often a seasonal or limited-time menu item, so it may not be available year-round at all locations.
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