How to Cook Juicy Chicken Tournedos Wrapped in Bacon

Chicken tournedos wrapped in bacon and roasted to crispy perfection is an easy, delicious dinner. The bacon adds great flavor while keeping the chicken breasts moist and tender. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have an elegant main dish on the table in under an hour.

What are Chicken Tournedos?

Chicken tournedos are small, round medallions of chicken breast, usually 2-3 ounces each. They are thicker than chicken cutlets but thinner than a whole chicken breast.

The term “tournedos” comes from the French word “tourner” meaning to turn. Traditionally tournedos are small rounds of beef filet, but the term can apply to medallions of chicken breast as well.

Chicken tournedos cook quickly since they are thin. They also offer a nice presentation, fanning the medallions out on the plate.

Why Wrap in Bacon?

Wrapping chicken tournedos in bacon serves multiple purposes

• Adds flavor – The bacon infuses the chicken with a smoky, salty flavor as it cooks.

• Keeps moisture in – The bacon fat bastes the chicken while cooking, keeping it extra juicy.

• Provides texture – The crisp bacon gives a nice textural contrast to the tender chicken interior.

• Looks attractive – Bacon-wrapped anything looks good! The bacon wraps give a nice presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for baked chicken tournedos wrapped in bacon:

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Bacon (use thin sliced)
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage
• Spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper
• Brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)

Prep the Chicken

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally into 1/2 inch thick medallions.
• Pound the medallions to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch.
• Season on both sides with desired herbs and spices. Go easy on the salt, the bacon will make it salty.

Wrap in Bacon

• Cut bacon slices in half crosswise.
• Wrap each seasoned chicken medallion with a bacon half, overlapping the ends.
• Make sure the seam of the bacon is on the bottom, so it stays together.

Bake

• Arrange wrapped medallions seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet.

• Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crisp.

• For extra flavor, brush with a bit of maple syrup or brown sugar before baking. The sugar will caramelize on the bacon.

Finish and Serve

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with extra fresh herbs. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

• To serve, fan the medallions out attractively on the plate. Offer any pan juices for dipping or spooning over.

Cooking Tips

• Use thin sliced bacon so it cooks up nice and crisp. Thick cut will take longer to bake.

• Make sure the seam of the bacon wrap is on the bottom so it doesn’t unroll while cooking.

• Go easy on added salt since the bacon provides saltiness already.

• For extra flavor, try new spice rubs like jerk or Cajun seasoning.

• Brush with maple syrup, brown sugar, honey, or bbq sauce before baking for sweet glazed bacon.

• Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure chicken is cooked through.

Recipe Variations

This cooking method works great with all kinds of flavors. Try these tasty variations:

• Italian – Use basil, oregano, pepper flakes, grated parmesan

• Southwestern – Use cumin, chili powder, cilantro, lime

• Greek – Use oregano, lemon zest, plain yogurt for dipping

• Asian – Use ginger, sesame oil, scallions, teriyaki glaze

• BBQ – Use bbq spice rub or sauce for a bacon-wrapped BBQ chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have chicken breasts?

You can use chicken tenderloins or even chicken thighs cut into medallions. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, wrap the chicken tournedos in bacon then place on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What sides go well with this dish?

Try roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, couscous, roasted veggies or a fresh salad.

How long will they keep in the fridge?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm, about 15 minutes.

Can I grill them instead?

Absolutely! Follow the recipe then grill over medium heat for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and bacon is crisp.

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Chicken tournedos wrapped in bacon make an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner. By using thin sliced bacon and medallion shaped chicken breasts, the cooking time is minimal. The bacon locks in moisture and adds tons of flavor.

Follow the simple prep steps then pop in the oven while you toss together a salad or side dish. In under an hour you’ll have a beautiful, delicious main course the whole family will love.

So next time you need an easy dinner, try these tasty bacon-wrapped chicken tournedos. Crispy, juicy and full of flavor, they are sure to become a regular rotation in your weeknight recipe repertoire.