Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the bacon crisp as it bakes. A well-heated oven is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. This blend is where all the flavors start to develop, so give it a good mix!

Take each chicken breast and generously rub half of the spice mixture all over. Make sure to cover every inch by using your hands. This step is important because it infuses flavor throughout the chicken.

Take two strips of bacon and carefully wrap each chicken breast with them. Secure the ends underneath the chicken breast to hold them in place. This not only keeps the bacon from unraveling but also traps the juices in, creating a tender piece of chicken.

Arrange the wrapped chicken breasts, seam side down, into a baking pan or ovenproof skillet. This position prevents any of the bacon from slipping off during cooking.

Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the top of the chicken. This will caramelize beautifully in the oven and form a delicious glaze, providing even more flavor.

Put the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the bacon to crisp up while ensuring the chicken is cooked through. I recommend using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure food safety.

If you desire extra crispy bacon (and who wouldn’t?), switch to the broil setting for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it; things can go from crispy to charred quickly.

Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!