Maple Bacon Chicken Cracker Barrel Recipe

Cracker Barrel's Maple Bacon Chicken is a beloved dish that combines the rich flavors of sweet maple syrup, smoky bacon, and tender grilled chicken. Recreating this delightful meal at home is both rewarding and straightforward. Below is a unique recipe that captures the essence of the original along with some tips to enhance your cooking experience.​

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts​

• 8 slices of bacon​

• 1 cup pure maple syrup​

• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese​

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder​

• 1 teaspoon paprika​

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste​

• 1 tablespoon olive oil​

• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet or rolling pin

• Plastic wrap or parchment paper

• Large skillet

• Tongs

• Baking dish

• Pastry brush

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Oven

How to Make Maple Bacon Chicken Cracker Barrel?

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures uniform cooking.​

   • Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.​

2. Cook the Bacon:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it reaches a crisp texture. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet.​

3. Sear the Chicken:

   • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high.​

   • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. The goal is to achieve a nice crust while ensuring the chicken remains juicy inside.​

4. Bake the Chicken:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).​

   • Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Brush each piece generously with pure maple syrup.​

   • Place two slices of cooked bacon on top of each chicken breast.​

   • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the bacon-covered chicken.​

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).​

5. Serve:

   • Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.​

   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.​

   • Serve warm alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Some Tips!

• Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality maple syrup and bacon to elevate the dish's flavor profile.​

• Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that each piece cooks uniformly, preventing dryness.​

• Flavor Infusion: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps retain its juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

How to Store Leftover?

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

• Freezer: Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works well as a substitute. While the flavor might not be as smoky, it’s a healthier alternative.

What other cheeses can I use?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gouda are great alternatives to Colby Jack cheese.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the chicken up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

By following this recipe, you can bring the comforting and delectable flavors of Cracker Barrel's Maple Bacon Chicken into your kitchen, delighting family and friends with this homemade classic.