Can You Cook Raw Chicken and Bacon Together? A Guide to Pairing These Flavorful Ingredients

In home kitchens, chicken and bacon are two of the most useful and versatile foods. When these proteins are mixed together, they make a taste and texture combination that is hard to beat. But is it safe to cook raw chicken and bacon in the same pan? Let’s talk about the pros and cons of cooking these two proteins at the same time.

The Benefits of Cooking Chicken and Bacon Together

There are a few advantages to cooking raw chicken and bacon together

• Saves time because you only have to clean one pan instead of several to prepare and cook.

• Added flavor – The rendered bacon fat permeates the chicken adding smoky salty and umami flavors.

• Water stays inside—The bacon forms a barrier that keeps the chicken’s natural juices inside.

• Easy cleanup – With everything cooked in one pan, there is only one pan to wash afterward.

So in terms of efficiency and amplified flavor, cooking chicken and bacon together makes sense. But there are some important safety factors to consider with this cooking method.

Handling Raw Meat Safely

When dealing with any raw meats like chicken and bacon, proper handling is crucial to avoid contamination and foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips:

• Wash hands and surfaces before and after handling raw meats.

• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for chicken and bacon.

• Store bacon and chicken separately in fridge to prevent leaks.

• Defrost frozen meats safely – in fridge overnight or in cold water, not on counter.

• Marinate chicken in covered dish in fridge, not on counter.

Following safe raw meat practices reduces the risks when cooking chicken and bacon together.

The Challenges of Cooking Chicken and Bacon

While cooking chicken with bacon can add flavor, there are some potential hurdles to overcome:

• Different cook times – Chicken takes longer to cook through than bacon.

• Uneven cooking – Thinner bacon strips may burn while thick chicken pieces are underdone.

• Fat splatter – Excess bacon grease may splatter during cooking.

• Cross-contamination – Bacteria transfers from one raw meat to the other.

So proper technique is required to successfully cook bacon with chicken.

Tips for Cooking Chicken and Bacon Safely

Here are some tips to address the challenges of cooking raw chicken and bacon in one pan:

• Choose similar thickness – Opt for bacon strips and boneless chicken breasts or tenders.

• Brown bacon first – Cook until crispy, remove and set aside.

• Regulate temperature – Lower heat to avoid burning.

• Use nonstick pan – Reduces chances of sticking and splatter.

• Cook chicken fully – Internal temperature should reach 165°F.

• Rest meats before serving – Allows juices to redistribute.

• Clean thoroughly – Use hot soap and water to wash pan and utensils.

Step-By-Step Method for Cooking Chicken and Bacon

Follow this process for safely cooking raw chicken and bacon together:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8-12 slices bacon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, oregano

Directions:

1. Prepare ingredients – Wash chicken, pat dry and season all over. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on paper towels.

2. Heat medium nonstick pan over medium-high heat and add oil.

3. Add bacon strips and fry until evenly browned and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

4. Lower heat to medium and add seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.

5. Flip chicken and top each breast with 2-3 slices fried bacon.

6. Continue cooking 10-12 minutes, flipping chicken once, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

7. Remove pan from heat and let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.

8. promptly clean cooking surface and utensils with hot soapy water.

With the proper precautions, you can safely cook raw chicken and bacon together for a quick and flavorful one-pan meal!

Cooking Chicken and Bacon in the Oven

For a hands-off approach, bake chicken stuffed or wrapped with bacon in the oven:

• Wrap chicken breasts individually in 2-3 slices bacon and secure with toothpicks.

• Place bacon-wrapped chicken on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

• You can also bake chicken topped with crumbled pre-cooked bacon for the last 10 minutes to crisp it up.

• Bake chicken in a pan with bacon pieces underneath to catch the drippings for added flavor.

Creative Recipe Ideas for Chicken and Bacon

Take your chicken and bacon combo to the next level with these recipe ideas:

BLT Chicken Salad Wraps

• Dice cooked bacon-topped chicken breast
• Toss with lettuce, tomato, mayo and wrap in tortillas

Chicken Carbonara

• Sauté pan-seared chicken in pasta sauce with bacon bits and grated parmesan

Chicken Cobb Salad

• Top mixed greens with diced chicken, bacon crumbles, hard-boiled egg, avocado and blue cheese dressing

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers

• Thread chicken chunks and vegetables onto skewers and wrap with bacon before grilling

Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese

• Toss cooked bacon-topped chicken pieces with cheesy pasta and baked breadcrumb topping

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas

• Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar, and ranch dressing

So get creative with the diverse ways you can infuse dishes with the classic chicken and bacon flavor combination!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Chicken and Bacon

Is it safe to cook raw bacon with raw chicken in the oven?

Yes, it is safe as long as you cook the chicken to 165°F internal temperature to kill any potential bacteria from the raw meats. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

Should you wrap chicken in bacon before baking?

Wrapping chicken breasts or tenders in bacon before baking helps seal in moisture and adds great flavor. Just be sure to bake until the chicken is fully cooked through.

Can you put raw chicken and raw bacon in the same pan?

It’s not recommended to cook raw chicken and raw bacon in direct contact with each other in the same pan. Cook bacon first, remove, and then cook chicken in the same pan to prevent cross-contamination.

Does baking chicken on top of bacon add a lot of flavor?

Yes, the rendered bacon fat will permeate the chicken, infusing it with a smoky, salty taste as it cooks. Placing chicken on top of bacon pieces enhances flavor.

What’s the best way to crisp up bacon that’s cooked with chicken?

To ensure crispy bacon when cooking it with chicken, par-cook until just browned, let it rest on paper towels before topping chicken, then finish cooking everything together.

For Safely Cooked, Flavor-Packed Meals

Chicken and bacon truly are better together – when handled properly. With some sound techniques, you can safely prep and cook raw chicken and raw bacon in one pan or baking dish to unlock huge flavor. Just be diligent about proper handling of the raw meats, control pan temperatures, and thoroughly cook chicken to safe internal temperature. Then indulge in creative new ways to enjoy this classic pairing in your favorite dishes!