BBQ Bacon Wrapped Recipes: Smoky, Savory Perfection Every Time

I’m obsessed with the combination of smoky BBQ and crispy bacon – it’s a match made in heaven! 🔥 Wrapping your favorite proteins in bacon adds texture and flavor that elevates any dish. I’ve perfected this technique over years of backyard cookouts.

These BBQ bacon wrapped recipes deliver savory perfection every time, whether you’re cooking ribs, chicken, or pork. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Bbq Bacon Wrapped Recipes

Simple ingredients come together for smoky, savory perfection in every BBQ bacon wrapped bite.

[recipe_ingredient_scaler]

The bacon makes or breaks this dish. Thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon from Costco or Trader Joe’s gives the best results. Look for uniform slices so wrapping is even. Don’t skimp on quality here—the good stuff pays off.

No St. Louis-style ribs? Regular pork ribs or even beef back ribs work too. For chicken, boneless breasts are easiest to wrap, but thighs are amazing with bacon too. The BBQ sauce can be whatever brand you like—Sweet Baby Ray’s is a classic, but feel free to experiment with different flavors.

These keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat at 275°F until warmed through. You can freeze them too—wrap tightly and they’ll keep for 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Bacon Wrapped Recipes

Here’s the method that delivers smoky, savory perfection every time.

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Pork Ribs and Chicken

Start by prepping the 2 lb Pork Ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it hasn’t been done already. This step is crucial as it allows the rub to penetrate the meat and makes the ribs more tender. Next, take the 4 whole Chicken Breasts and pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and are easier to wrap with bacon.

For both the ribs and chicken, mix together the 1 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Black Pepper, 1 tbsp Garlic Powder, and 1 tbsp Onion Powder in a small bowl. Generously season the ribs and chicken with this spice mix, making sure to coat them evenly. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb.

🥘 Step 2: Wrap with Bacon and Prepare for Cooking

Take the 8 slices Thick-Cut Bacon Slices and wrap them around the chicken breasts, securing with toothpicks if necessary. For the ribs, you can wrap them in bacon as well, although it’s optional. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together the 0.25 cup Brown Sugar and 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken and ribs (if using). Drizzle the 2 tbsp Olive Oil over the top to help the sugar mixture stick and promote browning.

🔥 Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For the ribs, cook them at 275°F for 2-3 hours until they are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bone.

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the 1 cup BBQ Sauce over the chicken and ribs. This will add a sweet and tangy glaze to your BBQ bacon-wrapped recipes. If you’re cooking the ribs, you can wrap them in foil during the last hour to keep them moist.

⏰ Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken and ribs from the heat and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful. Slice the chicken into thick slices and serve with the ribs.

To add an extra layer of flavor, drizzle any remaining BBQ Sauce over the top and sprinkle with additional Smoked Paprika if desired. Serve with a side of your favorite BBQ accompaniments, such as coleslaw or baked beans, and enjoy the smoky, savory perfection of your BBQ bacon-wrapped recipes.

Creative Variations of This Recipe

Meat Variations

You can use different meats for BBQ bacon-wrapped recipes. I love using pork tenderloin because it’s tender and absorbs flavors well. Filet mignon works beautifully too, especially for a fancier dinner. For a more budget-friendly option, chicken thighs are fantastic—they stay juicy and have great flavor.

Spice and Rub Options

Experimenting with different spice rubs can transform your BBQ bacon-wrapped dishes. Try a Kansas City-style rub with a mix of brown sugar, paprika, and garlic for a classic BBQ flavor. For something bolder, a Chipotle lime rub adds a smoky kick. You can also mix in some coffee grounds for a unique depth of flavor.

BBQ Sauce Variations

The BBQ sauce you choose can dramatically change the flavor profile. I recommend trying different regional styles like Kansas City-style thick and sweet, Carolina vinegar-based for a tangy twist, or Texas-style beef for a bold flavor. You can also make your own BBQ sauce by mixing ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and spices to taste.

Global Inspirations

Adding international flavors can give your BBQ bacon-wrapped recipes an exciting twist. Try a Korean BBQ-style marinade with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian-inspired flavor. For a Mediterranean touch, add some oregano and lemon zest to your rub. The possibilities are endless!

Advanced Techniques

For a more sophisticated approach, consider using a sous vide before finishing your meat on the grill. This ensures perfect doneness every time. You can also experiment with different types of bacon, like maple-glazed or peppered bacon, to add another layer of flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations!