Are you planning to make bacon wrapped chicken but wondering what side dish would complement it perfectly? You’re not alone! This delicious main course deserves equally amazing accompaniments that balance its rich, savory profile. As someone who’s experimented with countless pairings, I’m excited to share my favorite side dishes that’ll take your bacon wrapped chicken dinner to the next level.
Bacon wrapped chicken offers a delightful combination of juicy chicken and crispy, smoky bacon that creates an irresistible flavor profile. The right side dish can either complement these rich flavors or provide a refreshing contrast. Let’s explore the best options that’ll make your meal complete!
Classic Side Dishes for Bacon Wrapped Chicken
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Nothing says comfort food like creamy mashed potatoes alongside bacon wrapped chicken. The smooth, buttery texture of well-made mashed potatoes creates a perfect harmony with the savory chicken and crispy bacon.
For the best results I recommend
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery flavor
- Adding warm cream and plenty of butter for richness
- Seasoning generously with salt and pepper
- Including a touch of garlic for depth of flavor
The creamy texture provides an excellent contrast to the crispy bacon and juicy chicken, making every bite a delicious adventure.
2. Garlic Roasted Vegetables
Garlic roasted vegetables add a robust and aromatic element to your meal that perfectly balances the richness of bacon wrapped chicken,
Here’s my quick method:
- Toss seasonal veggies (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers) in olive oil
- Add plenty of minced garlic and herb seasoning
- Roast at 400°F until caramelized and tender
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs
The natural sweetness that develops during roasting complements the savory bacon flavor wonderfully.
3. Classic Caesar Salad
For a refreshing contrast, a classic Caesar salad works wonderfully with bacon wrapped chicken. The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the main dish.
My homemade Caesar includes:
- Crisp romaine lettuce hearts
- Homemade garlicky dressing with anchovy paste
- Plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Crunchy croutons (preferably homemade)
The bright, acidic elements in the dressing help cleanse the palate between bites of the rich chicken.
4. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes make for a decadent side dish that pairs beautifully with bacon wrapped chicken. The creamy, cheesy layers of potato complement the savory main dish.
For perfect scalloped potatoes:
- Slice potatoes to even thickness (about 1/8 inch)
- Layer with a mixture of heavy cream, garlic, and herbs
- Add plenty of good melting cheeses like Gruyère and cheddar
- Bake until golden and bubbly on top
The rich cheese sauce creates a delicious pairing with the bacon wrapped chicken.
Lighter Side Dishes for Balance
5. Steamed Asparagus
If you’re looking for a lighter option, steamed asparagus provides a tender-crisp texture and subtle flavor that won’t compete with your bacon wrapped chicken.
I like to:
- Trim the woody ends
- Steam until bright green and just tender
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper
- Drizzle with a touch of olive oil or melted butter
The clean, green flavor provides a nice counterpoint to the rich main dish and adds important nutrients to the meal.
6. Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf adds a nutty flavor and interesting texture that pairs wonderfully with bacon wrapped chicken. The hearty nature of wild rice stands up well to the substantial main dish.
My go-to pilaf includes:
- A mix of wild rice and long-grain white rice
- Sautéed onions, celery, and mushrooms
- Chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor
- Herbs like thyme and bay leaf
The varying textures and earthy flavors in the pilaf create a satisfying side dish that complements without overwhelming.
7. Quinoa Salad
For a nutritious alternative, quinoa salad offers protein, fiber, and fresh flavors that balance the richness of bacon wrapped chicken.
I usually include:
- Fluffy cooked quinoa
- Diced cucumber and cherry tomatoes
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon-herb dressing
This light yet satisfying side dish adds interesting texture and bright flavors to your meal.
Comforting Side Dishes
8. Baked Mac and Cheese
There’s something about the creamy, cheesy goodness of baked mac and cheese that pairs perfectly with bacon wrapped chicken. The comfort food combination is sure to please everyone at the table.
My favorite version includes:
- Al dente pasta (I prefer cavatappi or shells)
- A blend of cheeses (sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan)
- Béchamel sauce with a hint of mustard and nutmeg
- Crispy breadcrumb topping
The gooey interior and crispy top create a wonderful textural contrast to the chicken.
9. Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet and tender honey glazed carrots offer a delightful contrast to the savory bacon wrapped chicken.
For perfect glazed carrots:
- Use whole baby carrots or cut larger ones into even pieces
- Steam until just tender
- Glaze with a mixture of butter, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon
- Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill
The natural sweetness of the carrots, enhanced by honey, balances the salty bacon wonderfully.
10. Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans provide a fresh, crisp element to balance the rich bacon wrapped chicken.
My simple approach:
- Blanch green beans briefly in salted water
- Shock in ice water to preserve color and crispness
- Sauté quickly with garlic and a touch of butter
- Finish with slivered almonds for crunch and nutty flavor
The bright flavor and crisp texture offer a nice contrast to the main dish.
Unique Side Dishes to Try
11. Grilled Corn on the Cob
During summer months, grilled corn on the cob makes a perfect accompaniment to bacon wrapped chicken, especially if you’re already using the grill.
I love to:
- Grill corn in the husks until kernels are tender
- Peel back husks and char slightly for smoky flavor
- Brush with herb butter or Mexican-style with lime, chili, and cotija cheese
The sweet, smoky corn complements the bacon’s smokiness in a delightful way.
12. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
For a more unusual side, consider serving spinach and artichoke dip with toasted bread or crackers alongside your bacon wrapped chicken.
My favorite recipe includes:
- Creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise
- Plenty of fresh spinach and marinated artichoke hearts
- Garlic and a blend of cheeses (mozzarella, Parmesan)
- Served warm and bubbly from the oven
This unexpected side adds a fun, shareable element to the meal.
13. Buttery Dinner Rolls
Warm, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any juices from the bacon wrapped chicken.
When making homemade rolls, I focus on:
- Rich, yeasty dough with plenty of butter
- Brushing with melted butter before and after baking
- Sprinkling with flaky sea salt for extra flavor
- Serving warm, straight from the oven
There’s nothing better than using a soft roll to capture every last bit of flavor from your plate.
14. Coleslaw
A crisp, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of bacon wrapped chicken.
My coleslaw usually includes:
- Thinly sliced cabbage (a mix of green and purple)
- Shredded carrots and thinly sliced onion
- Vinegar-based dressing for tanginess rather than heavy mayo
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley
The crunch and acidity cut through the richness of the bacon and chicken beautifully.
15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a side dish with depth, roasted Brussels sprouts offer a savory, slightly bitter contrast to bacon wrapped chicken.
I prepare mine by:
- Halving the sprouts and removing any tough outer leaves
- Tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Roasting at high heat until crispy and caramelized
- Finishing with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey
The caramelization brings out the natural sweetness while maintaining their distinctive flavor.
Tips for Creating a Balanced Meal
When serving bacon wrapped chicken, consider these tips for creating a well-rounded dinner:
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Balance rich with light – Since bacon wrapped chicken is quite rich, include at least one lighter side dish like a salad or steamed vegetable.
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Consider textures – Include something creamy (like mashed potatoes), something crisp (like a salad), and something in between.
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Think about colors – A visually appealing plate with various colors is more appetizing. Add bright vegetables for visual interest.
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Account for cooking methods – If you’re baking your chicken, consider using the stovetop for sides to free up oven space, or vice versa.
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Prepare ahead when possible – Many sides can be partially or fully prepared in advance, making dinner service smoother.
FAQs About Sides for Bacon Wrapped Chicken
What’s a quick side dish I can make with bacon wrapped chicken?
A simple green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables are quick options that require minimal prep work.
What healthy sides pair well with bacon wrapped chicken?
Steamed asparagus, quinoa salad, or roasted vegetables provide nutritious options that balance the rich main dish.
Can I prepare any sides ahead of time?
Yes! Many sides like quinoa salad, coleslaw, and even mashed potatoes can be prepared ahead and reheated or served when needed.
What’s the best starchy side for bacon wrapped chicken?
Mashed potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, and wild rice pilaf are all excellent starchy companions to bacon wrapped chicken.
Final Thoughts
The perfect side dish for bacon wrapped chicken depends on your personal preference and the overall meal you’re planning. I’ve found that the best approach is to balance the rich, savory flavors of the chicken with sides that either complement or contrast with those elements.
Whether you choose the classic comfort of creamy mashed potatoes, the freshness of a Caesar salad, or the interesting texture of wild rice pilaf, these side dishes will elevate your bacon wrapped chicken from a simple main course to a memorable meal.
What’s your favorite side to serve with bacon wrapped chicken? I’d love to know what works for you! Next time you’re making this delicious dish, try one of these sides and see how it transforms your dinner experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts: Baked chicken breasts have the potential to turn out dry and chewy, but not this recipe. Wrapped in bacon, white meat chicken stays tender and tastes amazing.
- Sweet and Salty Flavors: Recipes that hit both of these flavor notes at the same time are completely irresistible! I rarely have leftovers when I make this for dinner.
- Bacon: I’ll say it one more time: Everything is better wrapped in bacon! Check out my Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Bacon Wrapped Turkey, and Bacon Wrapped Asparagus for more proof.
- Minimal Clean-up: You only need one baking dish and a bowl to make this easy chicken recipe.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need to make this bacon chicken in your kitchen already. Chicken, bacon, and a handful of common pantry items are all you need. Because of the simple ingredients, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to make Bacon Wrapped Chicken. Be sure to trim away any extra fat that might be on your meat.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a sweet flavor to the chicken that beautifully complements the saltiness of the bacon and helps to create caramelization.
- Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, and Paprika: Together these simple spices make the perfect chicken seasoning
- Salt and Pepper: Be sure that your chicken is well-seasoned by adding salt and pepper to the mix.
- Bacon: Normal, regular-sliced bacon is what you should get to make Bacon Wrapped Chicken. Thick sliced bacon is delicious with breakfast, but it won’t cook properly in this recipe.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a touch of green and a bright herby flavor as a garnish.
Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken using any cut of chicken! Just add extra time for cooking bone-in cuts.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken
You are going to love the sugar and spice mix that we’ll use to season this chicken so much. Baking chicken wrapped in bacon results in juicy meat with a crispy bacon exterior.
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. While the oven is heating, combine the sugar and seasonings in a small bowl.
- Season: Never wash poultry! Use half of the seasoning blend to season the chicken breasts from all sides.
- Wrap: Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon, then place in a baking dish or cast iron pan with the bacon seam side down. This will keep the bacon from unraveling while it cooks. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the top of the chicken/bacon.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/74°C. To help crisp up the bacon, baste the chicken with the juices once or twice as it bakes. If you’re not sure how to check the internal temperature of the chicken, I wrote a whole guide on how to use a a kitchen thermometer.
- Broil: Place the chicken breasts under the broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp up the bacon. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Watch the chicken carefully as it broils. Don’t let the bacon burn!
- Trim the Chicken if Needed: Not only should you be sure that you remove any extra fat from your chicken, but you should also try to make it so that all of your pieces are the same size so that they will cook at the same time.
- Tuck in the Ends: It’s helpful if you keep all of the ends of the bacon slices on one side of the chicken breast so that you can place it in the pan with them tucked underneath securely. This way you don’t need to mess around with any toothpicks.
- Cooking Time May Vary: The amount of time needed to cook this chicken recipe can be different depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, or if you decide to use bone-in chicken. Use a meat thermometer to be sure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
- Change It Up: You can totally adjust the seasonings for Bacon Wrapped Chicken. Try adding a bit of chili powder to add some extra spice, or use spiced paprika to add more smokiness. To limit salt, leave out the additional salt in the spice mix and just enjoy the saltiness of the bacon.
- Give it a Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking will keep it nice and juicy.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be reheated in the microwave, air fryer, or a 350°F oven for just a few minutes.