First Step: Prep the Oven and Workstation Preheat the oven to 375–400°F (190–204°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or prepare an ovenproof skillet to ensure easy cleanup and even cooking.

Second Step: Mix Seasonings In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional thyme and dry mustard. This spice blend will add a balanced sweet and savory flavor to the chicken and bacon.

Third Step: Season the Chicken Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub half of the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor.

Fourth Step: Wrap the Chicken with Bacon Wrap each chicken breast tightly with 2 to 3 slices of bacon, overlapping the slices slightly to secure. Place the wrapped breasts seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet or skillet.

Fifth Step: Season the Bacon Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken to intensify the flavor and help create a delicious caramelized crust during cooking.

Sixth Step: Bake the Chicken Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor doneness accurately.

Seventh Step: Finish with Broil (Optional) For extra crispy bacon, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, especially due to the sugar in the seasoning.

Final Step: Rest and Garnish Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to retain juices. Remove toothpicks if used and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this flavorful bacon wrapped chicken as-is or paired with your favorite sides.