Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken Recipe

Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken is a sweet and savory Southern favorite featuring tender poultry glazed with a rich maple reduction and topped with smoky bacon bits. Ideally the chicken should be grilled over medium-high heat for about six to seven minutes per side to achieve those signature charred grill marks while keeping the interior succulent and flavorful.

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Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
• 1/2 cup 100% pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup Monterey Jack or Colby cheese, shredded (optional)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken Recipe

1. Prep the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium. Fry until the bacon is extra crispy, then drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
2. Make the Maple Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Simmer over low heat for five minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Use a meat mallet to pound them to a uniform thickness of about half an inch. Lightly season both sides with a pinch of salt.
4. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your outdoor grill (or indoor grill pan) to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for six to seven minutes.
5. Flip and Glaze: Flip the chicken over. Immediately brush a generous layer of the maple glaze onto the grilled side. Continue cooking for another five to six minutes.
6. Top with Crunch: During the final two minutes of grilling, sprinkle the chopped bacon and shredded cheese (if using) over the top of each breast. If using an outdoor grill, close the lid briefly to melt the cheese.
7. Serve: Remove the chicken once it reaches an internal temperature of one hundred and sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Let it rest for three minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Pure Maple Only: Do not use imitation pancake syrup. The high corn syrup content will burn almost instantly on the grill, leaving a bitter taste rather than the deep, woody sweetness of real maple.
• Oil the Grates: To prevent the chicken from sticking—especially once the sugary glaze is applied—ensure your grill grates are scrubbed clean and rubbed with a high-smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable oil.
• The “Wait” Rule: Do not try to flip the chicken too early. The meat will naturally release from the grill grates once a proper sear has formed; if it sticks, give it another minute.
• Glaze Timing: Sugar burns quickly. Only apply the glaze after the first flip to ensure the sauce caramelizes without scorching into black char.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken accompaniments are wholesome, rustic sides that balance the smoky and sweet profile of the maple reduction. Ideally the sweet potato casserole should be topped with plenty of toasted pecans to provide a crunchy, nutty contrast to the velvet-soft texture of the chicken dish.

• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon
• Slow-simmered green beans with bacon
• Panera Bread Green Tea (iced)

How To Store Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep any extra glaze in a separate small jar.
• Reheat: For the best results, reheat the chicken in a toaster oven or standard oven at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten minutes. This helps keep the bacon bits from becoming rubbery.
• Freeze: You can freeze the grilled chicken for up to two months. It is best to freeze the chicken without the cheese, adding fresh cheese when you reheat it for a better texture.

Cracker Barrel Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420 kcal (per serving)
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 24g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 4 servings.

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