Well it's winter in Minnesota. Today we are under a severe blizzard warning. So, I'm not going anywhere...and who would want to when it's below zero outside. So what to have for dinner. I have made this recipe before and thought it would be a good one for such an icky day outside. This is definitely comfort food. The chicken thighs always come out really good and juicy. A great meal especially for days like today.
This recipe is definitely easy. Some people don't like chicken thighs, but I find them a lot juicier than chicken breasts. I was the one that always had to have the chicken breast at dinner when I was a kid. As I got older, I found out that chicken thighs are not only cheaper, but have a great texture and are definitely juicier. Most Chinese restaurants use chicken thighs in their recipes because they are so juicy and tender. Add some bacon to the chicken thighs and the flavor is better than chicken breasts. Don't get me wrong, I still love chicken breasts also, but if I have my choice now it's usually chicken legs first, chicken thighs second, and chicken breasts third and don't forget chicken wings. But that's a completely different subject. Chicken wings are great for appetizers. Let's face it, chicken is a great dinner pick!
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How to Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
I think the reason these thighs are so delicious is because of the seasoning used.
The recipe called for smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin and dry mustard, salt and pepper. I forgot to put the salt and pepper in the picture. So don't forget them when you are making these. I didn't have any cumin, so I used lemon pepper instead. The taste was terrific. You could probably use your favorite seasonings instead the ones called for. Just make sure you cover the chicken thighs thoroughly.
After making your seasoning mix, pat the chicken thighs dry. Apply the seasoning liberally on both sides and make sure to pat it into the thighs.
After seasoning, wrap each thigh with bacon and place on a wire rack inside a cookie sheet. Now they are ready for the oven.
Place in a 375℉ oven and place they chicken thighs uncovered on the middle rack. Cook the thighs for 45-60 minutes (depending on the size of your thighs). You can also place them under the broiler for a few minutes if they need to be crisped up a little. Mine were perfect. I didn't need the broiler.
And here they are...so very juicy! Browned and a little crispy because of the bacon wrapped on the outside.
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I had made cheesy potatoes a few weeks ago and had some leftover. So I froze them. Tonight we had Bacon Wrapped Chicken thighs, cheesy potatoes, California medley veggies, banana bread and some applesauce that I made this past fall. It was definitely comfort food. It was great!
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin (I didn't have cumin, so I just used some lemon pepper seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground mustard
- 6 slices of bacon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil
- Combine all spices in a small bowl and mix together.
- Wipe chicken thighs down with paper toweling before seasoning.
- Sprinkle each chicken thigh generously with seasoning on both sides and pat into each piece.
- Wrap each chicken thigh with a slice of bacon.
- Place bacon wrapped chicken thigh so that bacon is on the bottom...no need for toothpicks,,
- Bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of the chicken thighs. Meat temperature should be 165 degrees.
- Optional - you can put the chicken thighs under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp them up. I found that my chicken thighs were crisp enough without this extra step.
Thank you Jennifer Banz for a great recipe!
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...And here they are. I must say these bacon wrapped chicken thighs are absolutely delicious. A quick weeknight meal that your whole family will enjoy!
One Final Thought...
This is definitely comfort food at its best. I love all the food that we have during the holidays, but there's nothing like homemade comfort food for the whole family in the winter. You really can't go wrong with this recipe...who doesn't love bacon and chicken that are seasoned to the nines and the taste is so so good. I do hope you try this recipe at some point this winter. Add a California medley vegetable, some homemade banana bread and a potato of your choice. Cheesy potatoes worked great with the bacon wrapped chicken thighs for us. Enjoy!
I purchased Downy UNstopables for my laundry. It was OK for that purpose, but I felt the scent was a little bit too strong on all the clothing. I read last week that people are putting UNstoppables in a heated Scentsy Warmers or a heated potpourri warmer to add the scent of their choice in their homes. Well, I tried it. Works great! The scent is not too strong for this purpose.
I also read that you can put the UNstopables in those small fabric bags you find at the "Dollar Tree" to make sachets for your clothing drawers. I like that idea also. This way you can limit the scent to certain clothing, rather than all your clothes having a scent.
You can purchase Scentsy Warmers, or similar products at most big box stores. The UNstopables can also be purchased at most grocery stores, Walmart and Target or any other large grocery store chain. You can also purchase UNstopables through Amazon. Once again, if you have "Prime", shipping is free...
Well, that's it. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs are the best. Also, bacon wrapped everything is the best! I'm hoping to try the bacon wrapped shrimp very, very soon...My husband's favorite is shrimp. Add some bacon and you have a feast!
