Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Breast Recipe

Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Breast is a savory and sweet southern entree featuring tender grilled chicken glazed with a rich maple reduction and topped with smoky bacon. Ideally the maple glaze should be applied during the final three minutes of cooking to ensure the sugars caramelize into a sticky coating without scorching the delicate flavors.

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Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Breast Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup (Grade A or B)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (optional)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Breast Recipe

1. Crisp the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium. Fry the bacon until it is very crisp, then remove it to a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
2. Whisk the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Simmer over low heat for about five minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them lightly with salt. If the breasts are very thick, pound them to an even half-inch thickness to ensure they cook at the same rate.
4. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease. Sear the chicken breasts for six to seven minutes on the first side until golden brown.
5. Flip and Glaze: Turn the chicken over. Brush a generous amount of the maple glaze over the seared side of each breast.
6. Top and Melt: During the last two minutes of cooking, sprinkle the chopped bacon and shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of each breast. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt.
7. Serve: Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of one hundred and sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit, remove from the heat and let rest for three minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use Real Syrup: Never use pancake syrup or corn-syrup-based products for this recipe. Only one hundred percent pure maple syrup has the depth of flavor and the correct sugar content to create the proper sticky glaze.
• Temperature Control: Because maple syrup has a high sugar content, it can burn quickly. Keep your skillet at a steady medium heat once the glaze is added to prevent a bitter, burnt taste.
• Bacon Drippings: Searing the chicken in the leftover bacon fat adds a secondary layer of smokiness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the maple.
• Resting Time: Always let the chicken sit for at least three minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute so the meat stays succulent rather than dry.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Breast

Chicken breast accompaniments are wholesome, rustic sides that balance the smoky and sweet profile of the maple glaze. Ideally the glazed carrots should be steamed until tender-crisp to provide a vibrant, naturally sweet pairing that mirrors the flavors found in the main dish.

• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Red-skinned mashed potatoes
• Cornbread muffins with honey butter

How To Store Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Breast

• Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Reheat: For the best results, reheat the chicken in an oven at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten minutes. This helps the bacon stay somewhat crisp, whereas the microwave can make it chewy.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. It is best to freeze the chicken with the glaze but add fresh cheese and bacon after thawing and reheating for the best texture.

Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Chicken Breast Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 410 kcal (per serving)
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 24g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 4 servings.

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