Are you ready to transform dinner from mundane to magnificent with minimal effort? Imagine sinking your teeth into incredibly juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned, embraced by a crispy, savory blanket of bacon. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, wake up and smell the deliciousness, because we’re about to make that dream a reality with the ultimate easy recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs! This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that promises to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends, all while keeping your kitchen duties delightfully simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for these irresistible Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs, but here are four top contenders:

Effortlessly Delicious: Forget complicated techniques or a mile-long ingredient list. This recipe for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for weeknights, busy schedules, or even beginner cooks. Just wrap and bake – it’s that easy!

Flavor Explosion: The magic happens when the salty, smoky goodness of bacon renders and crisps around tender, moist chicken legs. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that is utterly addictive. It’s the classic combination everyone craves.
Low-Carb & Healthy-ish: Looking for a meal that fits your low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste? These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs are a fantastic option! With skin removed from the chicken and a simple seasoning, it’s a protein-packed dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly mindful.

A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love bacon? And who doesn’t love perfectly cooked chicken? Put them together, and you’ve got a dish that disappears fast, earning you rave reviews from picky eaters and foodies alike. Get ready for compliments!

Ingredients with Measurements

Gathering your ingredients for these sensational Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs couldn’t be simpler. You only need a handful of staples to create this culinary masterpiece:

🐔 4 chicken legs (skin removed)
🥓 4 slices of bacon (regular cut works best)
🧂 Pinch of salt
🌶️ Pinch of black pepper

Detailed Step-by-Step on How to Make the Recipe

Get ready to create some kitchen magic! Follow these easy steps to prepare your perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly heated and ready for baking once your chicken is prepped.
Season with Love: Take each of your skinless chicken legs and sprinkle them generously with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Don’t be shy – make sure to season all sides for maximum flavor!

Wrap it Up! Now for the fun part: gently take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each seasoned chicken leg. Aim for a snug wrap, ensuring the bacon covers a good portion of the leg. To make sure that bacon stays perfectly in place and gets wonderfully crispy, secure the ends with a trusty toothpick.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange your beautifully wrapped chicken legs on a baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them bake for approximately 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’re looking for that bacon to turn wonderfully golden and crispy, and for the chicken to be thoroughly cooked through with no pink remaining. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve & Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the toothpicks, and your glorious Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs are ready to be devoured!

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs are stars on their own, but a little presentation and thoughtful pairing can elevate them even further!

Classic & Simple: For an elegant touch, arrange the golden-brown chicken legs artfully on a serving platter. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness.
Comfort Food Feast: Pair your chicken with classic comfort sides. Creamy mashed potatoes (or a low-carb cauliflower mash), a vibrant green bean casserole, or roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips make for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Light & Fresh: For a lighter meal, serve the Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs alongside a crisp garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a side of steamed asparagus or broccoli. The freshness will beautifully cut through the richness of the bacon.
Sauce It Up: While delicious on their own, a side of your favorite dipping sauce can add another layer of flavor. Think a tangy BBQ sauce, a sweet and savory honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids often love these! Serve them with easy-to-eat sides like mac and cheese or sweet potato fries, making dinner a hit for the whole family.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

Life happens, and sometimes you have delicious leftovers! Here’s how to properly store your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs to enjoy them later:

Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the cooked chicken legs to cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation and keeps them from getting soggy.
Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer the chicken legs to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze your cooked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, the best method is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon crisps up again. You can also microwave them, but the bacon might lose some of its crispiness.

FAQs Sections

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts instead?
Yes, you absolutely can! Adjust baking time accordingly; boneless cuts will cook faster. Breasts might need a slightly shorter cook time, around 25-35 minutes, while thighs are similar to legs.

Do I have to remove the chicken skin?
The recipe suggests removing the skin to make the dish a bit leaner and to allow the bacon to crisp up directly against the chicken for that perfect texture. However, you can leave it on if you prefer, though the bacon might not adhere as tightly.
How do I know if the chicken is thoroughly cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.
What kind of bacon works best for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs?
Regular or thin-cut bacon is ideal as it crisps up nicely and cooks through without being overly thick. Thick-cut bacon can also be used but might take longer to crisp, potentially requiring a final broil.

Can I add more seasonings to the chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper for a kick, or a poultry seasoning blend before wrapping with bacon.
My bacon isn’t getting crispy, what should I do?
If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like at the end of the baking time, you can carefully turn on the broiler for the last 2-5 minutes. Watch it very closely to prevent burning!
Can I prepare these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and wrap the chicken legs with bacon, securing them with toothpicks, up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Are these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs suitable for a Keto diet?
Yes, they are! With only 0.3g net carbs per serving, this recipe is a fantastic, protein-rich option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Can I cook these on the grill instead of baking?
While primarily an oven recipe, you can grill these! Use indirect heat, around 375°F (190°C), and turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon. It might take a similar amount of time, but monitor closely to avoid charring.
What can I do with the drippings on the baking sheet?
The drippings (a mix of chicken fat and rendered bacon fat) are incredibly flavorful! You can discard them, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can use them to make a quick pan sauce or gravy after carefully straining out any solids.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs 🥓

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Total Time 50

Servings 4 servings

Calories 246.3 kcal

Ingredients

4 chicken legs (skin removed)
4 slices bacon
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly season each of the chicken legs all over with a touch of salt and pepper.
Carefully wrap one slice of bacon around each seasoned chicken leg. To ensure the bacon stays snug during baking, secure it with a toothpick.
Place the wrapped chicken legs on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until the bacon is wonderfully crispy and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 246.3 kcal
Total Carbs: 0.3 g
Net Carbs: 0.3 g
Fats: 14.2 g
Protein: 27.5 g

Delicious & Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs Recipe