Bacon Wrapped Grilled Chicken Thighs – Double Smoky Crispiness in Every Bite

Get ready for the ultimate flavor combination: bacon and chicken, united on the grill for double smoky crispiness in every single bite. This Bacon Wrapped Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe takes the classic chicken thigh to a whole new level. The bacon renders its savory fat as it cooks, continuously basting the chicken from the outside in, ensuring it stays incredibly juicy and flavorful. The result is a golden, crispy bacon exterior wrapped around tender, smoky meat, making for a truly spectacular BBQ experience.

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard cookouts or an impressive weeknight dinner. We’re using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they are flavorful, affordable, and incredibly forgiving on the grill . The key to success is getting that bacon perfectly crisp while ensuring the chicken inside is cooked through and juicy. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill for that authentic smoky taste or a gas grill, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve BBQ perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for helping the bacon crisp up and the seasoning to stick. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen BBQ rub.
2. Wrap the Bacon: Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each chicken thigh, securing the ends underneath the thigh. You don’t need toothpicks if you wrap it snugly; the bacon will shrink and hold its shape as it cooks .
3. Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature of 350-400°F . Set up your grill for two-zone cooking: a direct heat side for searing and an indirect side for finishing. This will help control flare-ups from the bacon fat and prevent burning .
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the bacon-wrapped thighs seam-side down on the direct heat side of the grill. Grill for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy on the bottom .
5. Flip and Finish: Flip the thighs and move them to the cooler, indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part .
6. Glaze (Optional): During the last 5 minutes of grilling, you can brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and sticky finish .
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender. Serve hot and enjoy that double smoky crispiness!

Essential Grilling Tips

• Bacon Type Matters: Standard or thin-cut bacon is best for this recipe. It crisps up faster and wraps more easily around the chicken pieces. Thick-cut bacon may not cook through before the chicken is done .
• Pat it Dry: Patting the chicken dry is a non-negotiable step. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken will prevent the bacon from crisping up and can cause it to steam rather than sear .
• Manage Flare-Ups: Bacon fat dripping onto the coals or burners can cause flare-ups. The two-zone cooking method gives you a safe place (the indirect zone) to finish cooking the chicken without burning it. If you do get a flare-up, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill .
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken every time, use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but many grillers prefer to cook thighs to 175-185°F for more tender, fall-off-the-bone meat .

Delicious Variations to Try

• Stuffed Version: Before wrapping, stuff each thigh with a slice of jalapeño and some cream cheese or shredded cheese for an extra flavor dimension .
• Spicy Version: Add a kick to your rub or glaze with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder.
• Sweet & Smoky Version: During the last few minutes, brush the thighs with a mixture of honey and your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet, sticky, caramelized finish.
• Healthy Version: While this is a treat, you can use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind that turkey bacon is less fatty, so you may need to brush the chicken with a little olive oil to prevent it from drying out .

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover bacon-wrapped chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Without Drying: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer for a few minutes to recrisp the bacon. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the bacon rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to grill bacon-wrapped chicken thighs?

At medium heat (around 350-400°F), boneless chicken thighs wrapped in bacon typically take about 25 to 30 minutes total . Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and 175-185°F for maximum tenderness.

How do I get crispy bacon on the grill?

Pat the chicken dry, start with a hot grill (350-400°F), and use a two-zone fire. Start the chicken over direct heat to render the fat and crisp the bottom, then finish over indirect heat to prevent burning . Using standard or thin-cut bacon also helps it crisp faster .

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Chicken breasts will work, but they are leaner and can dry out more easily. If you use them, ensure you don’t overcook them by monitoring the internal temperature closely, aiming for 165°F .

Can I cook bacon-wrapped chicken thighs on a charcoal grill?

Absolutely! Charcoal grilling adds an extra layer of smoky flavor to this dish . Follow the same two-zone setup, placing the coals on one side. This will allow you to sear the chicken over direct heat and move it to the cooler side to finish cooking .

Do I need to use toothpicks to keep the bacon on?

It’s not necessary. If you wrap the bacon tightly around the thigh and tuck the ends underneath, it should stay in place as it cooks . However, using toothpicks won’t hurt if you want the extra peace of mind.