Posts

bacon wrapped chicken drumsticks legs pancetta recipe paleo diet

The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks

1 Comment

When it comes to Paleo-friendly dishes that are both impressive and easy to prepare, these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks tick all the boxes. Juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon? That’s a combination that never fails to please. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a make-ahead meal with minimal effort, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks are always a winner at barbecues. It helps that they can be prepared in advance, leaving less to worry about when it's barbecue time. Whilst these are bacon-wrapped, you can also try pancetta instead, which I find tends to be easier to work with. Oh – and bacon really isn't all that bad, providing what you buy is good quality – so there's no reason not to enjoy.

They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, customisable to your taste, and suitable for everything from casual cookouts to celebratory gatherings. Plus, this is one of those recipes that looks far more complex than it really is. With a few simple ingredients and a little prep, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to steal the show at your next get-together.

bacon wrapped chicken drumsticks legs pancetta recipe paleo diet
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks

These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks are always a hit at barbecues. They can be prepared in advance, making them convenient and stress-free. Using high-quality bacon or pancetta, these drumsticks are delicious and Paleo-friendly.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Barbecue
Keyword: Bacon Chicken Recipe, Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks, Easy BBQ Chicken, Paleo BBQ Recipe
Servings: 10
Calories: 250kcal
Cost: 25

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Barbecue grill

Ingredients

  • 10 bacon rashers
  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • dash of extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt and black pepper

Instructions

  • First, cut the bacon into long narrow strips with a sharp knife.
  • Next, wrap the bacon around the drumsticks and hold in place with cocktail sticks.
  • Then, brush the bacon-wrapped drumsticks with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
  • Cook on a hot barbecue until cooked through, making sure there are no pink bits before serving!

Why Bacon and Chicken Are a Perfect Pair

The combination of chicken and bacon is simply irresistible, and it’s more than just flavour that makes them work so well together. Chicken drumsticks provide the juicy, tender meat, while the bacon adds saltiness, crunch, and fat — which helps keep the chicken moist during cooking. The bacon crisps up beautifully on the grill or in the oven, locking in the chicken’s natural juices and creating a rich, savoury flavour profile with every bite.

The fattiness of the bacon complements the leaner protein of the chicken drumstick, giving you a well-rounded dish that satisfies hunger and supports energy levels — perfect for those following a high-protein Paleo lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

While this recipe is simple, the quality of the ingredients you choose will have a big impact on the final result. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your ingredients:

  • Chicken drumsticks: Choose free-range or organic drumsticks if possible. They tend to have better flavour and texture, and align better with clean eating values.
  • Bacon: Opt for nitrate-free, sugar-free bacon made from pasture-raised pork. The fewer the ingredients, the better. If you prefer a thinner wrap, pancetta is an excellent alternative.
  • Seasoning: Stick to Paleo-approved spices. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cracked black pepper work beautifully. Avoid seasoning blends with anti-caking agents or added sugars.

Preparation Tips for Success

These drumsticks are straightforward to make, but a few small tips can make a big difference:

  • Pat the drumsticks dry: This helps the seasoning stick and allows the bacon to crisp rather than steam.
  • Use toothpicks if needed: If your bacon won’t stay in place, secure it with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving.
  • Overlap the bacon: Wrapping slightly on the diagonal allows for full coverage and helps the bacon stay in place during cooking.
  • Preheat the barbecue or oven: A hot cooking surface helps sear the bacon quickly, locking in moisture and improving flavour.

You can prep these drumsticks the night before and keep them covered in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This is particularly handy when entertaining — it allows you to enjoy your time with guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Barbecue vs Oven

These drumsticks are perfect for any BBQ gathering, providing a tasty and satisfying option for your guests. However, if weather or logistics make outdoor cooking tricky, don’t worry — the oven works just as well.

On the barbecue: Cook the drumsticks over indirect heat with the lid closed, then move them to direct heat at the end to crisp up the bacon. This method imparts a lovely smoky flavour and ensures even cooking without burning.

In the oven: Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for around 35–40 minutes, turning once to ensure the bacon cooks evenly on all sides. Finish under the grill for 2–3 minutes to crisp up the bacon if needed.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon wrapped chicken drumsticks are versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides. Here are some Paleo-friendly options to build a complete meal around them:

  • Big green salad: A mix of rocket, spinach, cucumber, and avocado tossed in olive oil and lemon juice pairs beautifully with the richness of the bacon.
  • Cauliflower mash: A creamy, low-carb side that balances the texture of the drumsticks.
  • Roasted sweet potato wedges: The natural sweetness of the potato contrasts nicely with the savoury bacon.
  • Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, red capsicum, and eggplant slices work especially well on the barbecue.

These drumsticks also make great leftovers. Store them in an airtight container and enjoy cold for lunch the next day, or reheat gently in the oven. They travel well too, making them a brilliant addition to lunchboxes or picnic baskets.

Customise to Your Taste

This recipe is flexible, and you can easily tailor it to suit your flavour preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Add herbs: Tuck fresh rosemary or thyme between the bacon and chicken before cooking for extra flavour.
  • Spice it up: Rub with cayenne, chipotle, or chilli flakes for a little heat.
  • Try a glaze: Brush the bacon with a mixture of mustard and a touch of honey (if you include honey in your Paleo plan) for a sweet and spicy finish.
  • Swap the cut: If you prefer, try the same technique with chicken thighs or even wings.

Health Benefits

Creating these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks allows you to enjoy a rich and satisfying meal that aligns with your Paleo lifestyle. The combination of tender chicken and crispy bacon provides a delightful texture and flavour that will make your barbecue special. This dish is perfect for those looking to maintain a grain-free and dairy-free diet while still enjoying delicious and hearty meals.

Bacon — when sourced from high-quality producers — can be a beneficial part of a Paleo diet. It provides fat-soluble vitamins, selenium, and good fats, especially when balanced with leaner cuts of meat like chicken. Combined, this dish delivers plenty of protein, healthy fats, and minerals like zinc and iron in a format that's easy to digest and free from common allergens.

Final Thoughts

These bacon wrapped chicken drumsticks are the perfect Paleo-friendly crowd-pleaser. They’re satisfying, packed with flavour, and look great on the plate. With minimal prep, customisable seasoning, and a combination of protein and fat that supports energy and satiety, this dish deserves a place in your regular rotation.

Whether you're cooking for family, hosting a casual BBQ, or just meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers every time. Make them your own with herbs and spices, pair with fresh veggies, and enjoy a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

For more delicious Paleo recipes, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media! Let us know how you enjoyed these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks in the comments below. Happy cooking!

bacon wrapped chicken drumsticks legs pancetta recipe paleo diet

chilli tomato bacon soup recipe paleo diet

Chilli Tomato & Bacon Soup (Paleo Style)

1 Comment

This is one of my go-to batch cooking recipes as it provides lots of portions of soup, perfect for taking to work. And who could resist a tomato and bacon soup? It has bacon in it, after all. Depending on what I have at home, I often use tinned tomatoes, instead of fresh. I tend to have chicken stock in the freezer, but otherwise, try it with bone broth – or even water if you have neither.

This hearty soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great addition to your meal prep routine. The combination of tomatoes, bacon, and chili provides a satisfying and warming meal that's perfect for any time of the year.

chilli tomato bacon soup recipe paleo diet
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Recipe: Chilli, Tomato & Bacon Soup

This Chilli, Tomato & Bacon Soup is a hearty and nutritious Paleo meal. Perfect for batch cooking, it provides multiple portions that are ideal for taking to work. The combination of tomatoes, bacon, and a touch of chili creates a comforting and flavorful soup.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Paleo
Keyword: Batch Cooking Soup, Chilli Tomato Bacon Soup, Hearty Soup, Paleo Soup
Servings: 6
Calories: 200kcal
Cost: $15

Equipment

  • Large pan
  • Blender

Ingredients

  • Dash of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large brown onions finely diced
  • 8 bacon slices chopped
  • 15 - 20 tomatoes chopped (depending on your preference you may choose to peel and de-seed)
  • 1 1/2 litres of chicken stock
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 5 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • sea salt and black pepper

Instructions

  • Heat the Oil: First, heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and gently fry the onions and bacon.
  • Add the Tomatoes and Stock: When the onions become soft, add in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, chili powder, and seasoning. Stir to combine.
  • Bring to a Boil: Next, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes until the flavors are well combined and the tomatoes are tender.
  • Blend: After about 20 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. Then, blitz the soup in a blender until your desired consistency has been reached.
  • Serve: Finally, serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil, and enjoy!

Why This Tomato and Bacon Soup is a Must-Try

If you’re looking for a soup that ticks all the boxes for flavour, simplicity, and convenience, this tomato and bacon soup is a clear winner. With the rich depth of slow-cooked tomatoes, the smoky saltiness of bacon, and the gentle kick of chili, it’s incredibly satisfying. What makes it even better is how well it freezes, making it ideal for meal prep or emergency meals when you just don’t feel like cooking.

Batch Cooking and Freezer-Friendly

One of the best aspects of this soup is how well it suits batch cooking. Double or triple the ingredients and you’ve got lunches sorted for the week, or a quick dinner ready to go whenever you need it. Once cooled, simply portion it into containers, label them with the date, and freeze. It reheats beautifully either on the stovetop or in the microwave, and the flavours actually deepen over time, making it even tastier a few days after it’s made.

Tips for Making the Best Tomato and Bacon Soup

  • Use high-quality bacon: The bacon is the star of the show here, so don’t skimp. Look for nitrate-free, pasture-raised bacon if possible. It adds a deeper flavour and aligns with Paleo principles.
  • Don’t rush the onions: Cooking your onions slowly until they’re soft and sweet adds incredible depth to the base of the soup. It’s worth taking your time on this step.
  • Stock options: Chicken stock, beef stock, or bone broth all work well in this recipe. If you’re using water, consider adding extra herbs and spices to compensate for the flavour.
  • Spice it up or down: If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount of chili or add a splash of hot sauce. For a milder soup, reduce or omit the chili entirely.

Customising Your Soup

This soup is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

  • Add vegetables: Carrots, celery, or capsicum make great additions if you want to sneak in some extra veggies. Dice them finely and add them when you’re sautéing the onions.
  • Make it creamy: For a creamier version, blend the soup and stir through some coconut milk or cashew cream before serving.
  • Top it off: Try garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, a swirl of coconut cream, or even some crispy bacon crumbles.

Is Tomato and Bacon Soup Paleo-Friendly?

Yes, absolutely – with a few considerations. Be mindful of the ingredients in your bacon and tinned tomatoes, as many brands contain added sugar, preservatives, or other additives. Always opt for clean, whole food ingredients where possible. If you’re strict Paleo, choose homemade bone broth and ensure all components align with your dietary guidelines.

Serving Suggestions

While this soup is satisfying on its own, it also pairs beautifully with some Paleo-friendly sides:

  • Cauliflower rice: A small scoop stirred into the soup adds texture and extra nutrition.
  • Paleo bread or crackers: Ideal for dipping and soaking up the rich tomato broth.
  • A simple green salad: Fresh greens tossed with olive oil and lemon juice make a perfect, crisp contrast to the warm soup.

Using Leftovers Creatively

If you find yourself with extra soup and want to mix things up, here are a few creative ideas:

  • Tomato and bacon shakshuka: Simmer the soup in a frying pan and crack a couple of eggs into it. Cover and cook until the eggs are just set. Serve with avocado on the side.
  • Sauce for zucchini noodles: Blend the soup until smooth and serve it over spiralised zucchini or roasted vegetables.
  • Soup-stuffed sweet potatoes: Pour hot soup over baked sweet potatoes and top with a dollop of coconut yoghurt and herbs.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions. To reheat, use a saucepan on medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Perfect for Work Lunches

This soup is a lunchtime hero. Pop a portion into a thermos and it’ll still be hot by the time you’re ready to eat. It’s warming, nourishing, and far more appealing than the usual takeaway options. Plus, the bacon makes it feel indulgent – without compromising on health.

Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is associated with reduced risk of heart disease and some cancers. They’re also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.

Bacon, when sourced properly, can be a good protein source. It also provides B vitamins and selenium. Moderation is key, and it’s best enjoyed as a flavour enhancer, as in this recipe.

Chili offers a metabolism boost and may help support weight management thanks to capsaicin, the compound that gives it heat. It’s also rich in vitamin C and beta carotene.

Chicken stock or bone broth provides minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It’s hydrating and supports gut health, especially when made from scratch.

Make It Your New Favourite

This tomato and bacon soup is the kind of recipe that becomes a household staple. It’s comforting, quick to make, and endlessly adaptable. Once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll be able to whip it up from memory with whatever ingredients you’ve got on hand. It’s Paleo-friendly, budget-friendly, and sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless about a good bowl of soup, and this one has all the makings of a classic. Whether you’re looking for a reliable lunch to take to work, a starter for a dinner party, or just something nourishing to curl up with on a cool evening, this tomato and bacon soup delivers. Try it with your own twists and see just how versatile it can be.chilli tomato bacon soup recipe paleo diet

borderline paleo food paleo network-min

What Is Borderline Paleo Food?

Eating a strict paleo diet is simple; meat, veggies, eggs, nuts, seeds and a little fruit. Right? What about all those borderline foods? Are they paleo, or not?

borderline paleo food paleo network

Dairy

Dairy is a huge grey area for a lot of people following a paleo diet. Strictly speaking, a paleo diet omits all dairy, since it contains lactose and casin, which a lot of people can’t tolerate and other components, such as IGF-1 which may be harmful. Of course, dairy encompasses a huge wealth of foods, some better than others. Fermented dairy, such as kefir and traditional yoghurt, is going to be a lot better than highly processed dairy, such as skim milk. The key is to try it for yourself and find out what works for you.

Fruit

Yes, the fruit we’re encouraged to eat every day is a food I would consider borderline paleo. Fruit, being carbohydrate, is packed full of sugar. Yes, it contains vitmains and is natural – but the sugar can’t be ignored. Of course, not all fruit is equal, and whilst I’d avoid high sugar fruit like apples and melons, berries are great as they are far lower in sugar.

Safe starches

There’s been a lot of talk lately about safe starches.  A safe starch is a carbohydrate that is low in anti-nutrients, such as phytates, for example sweet potatoes, plantain, yucca, tapioca, white potatoes and white rice. To slow down the glucose release, and lessen the insulin response from the carbs, they are best eaten with fat and protein. Why are these borderline? Clearly rice is a grain – and white potatoes are a nightshade. Whilst paleo is not, by definition, low carb, many people do take a low carb approach and should therefore take a considered approach with safe starches.

Non-paleo “Vegetables”

Corn on the cob and green beans might sit nicely on the plate masquerading as vegetables, but they’re not. Sweetcorn is a grain and the green beans legumes; both food groups which are excluded on a paleo diet.

Paleo sweeteners

Whilst honey and stevia might seem like far more natural options than table sugar, the fact is, in your blood stream they’re all the same. Whilst some sweeteners may more natural than others, they’re best off avoided.

Paleo baked goods

The more popular paleo becomes, the more popular paleo breads, paleo cookies and paleo cakes become. They might be made with almond meal and coconut flour, and use dates as a natural sweetener – but take care with these. They often still have a lot of sugar and are best kept as an occasional treat.

Pseudo grains

We know how bad gluten is – wheat is a grain strictly avoided on paleo. There are a lot of other pseudo grains that don’t contain gluten, that are become popular, especially amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa. Whilst a lot better than conventional grains, it’s worth bearing in mind that gluten-free and paleo aren’t the same thing!

 Manufactured meat

So we know meat is paleo, but it becomes a lot more borderline when we look at things like bacon, sausages, hamburgers and cured meats. If you’ve not made them yourself, you need to know how they’ve been made, as many processes will use sugar, soy and chemicals that most definitely aren’t paleo

Is bacon really bad unhealthy nitrates processed paleo

Is Bacon Really So Bad?

3 Comments

Whenever I even mention the b word I get called out. Yep, apparently bacon is highly processed and must be avoided at all costs.

But is it really bad?

Almost everything we eat is processed in one way or another. We buy our meat cut, or maybe ground. We buy our meat dried or frozen. When I think of processed meat, I think of meat that has been ground up, combined with chemicals and other dubious ingredients and given a completely new form and shape (think “chicken” nuggets and hot dogs). Bacon is not processed like this.

Bacon bad for you nitrates sodium cured processed pork belly preserved Paleo Network

Why is bacon so different?

Bacon has been around for a long time, from the days we needed to preserve our meat to enable us to keep it for longer without it going bad. I don’t think the fact it’s preserved is the issue – the issue is how it’s preserved – and there are a lot of differences here.

Traditionally, bacon would have been preserved using salt, but since we’ve all got so worried about the wrong things being unhealthy, we now avoid sodium like the plague – so many modern techniques use ingredients that are a long way from natural, to preserve the meat.

If you’ve looked at the ingredients on packs on bacon, you’ll have seen huge differences. Looking at my local store, they offer bacon with contents between 83% and 95% pork – clearly the lower pork content bacon is to be given a wide berth.

But what about the other ingredients in packages bacon? Here are the ingredients I found, in various quantities:

  • Water,
  • Salt,
  • Dextrose (Corn), Dextrose (Maize),
  • Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein (Maize)
  • Sucrose, Sugar (yes – they add SUGAR to bacon!)
  • Mineral Salts (450, 451, 452),
  • Antioxidant (316),
  • Sodium Nitrite (250).
  • Food Acid (325)

But did you know you can get bacon uncured, without any of this? If you have a butcher like mine, you’ll be able to get pasture raised uncured bacon, without any of these additional ingredients.

What about nitrates?

Nitrates are a big talking point when it comes to bacon. Well, even unprocessed bacon contains nitrates naturally, and believe it or not celery is high in nitrates – and we don’t see warnings on sticks of celery. For more information on why dietary nitrates aren’t a bad thing – check out these studies: Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure in Humans: Role for Nitrite-Derived NO Hypertension, 2010, 56, 274-271 and Dietary Inorganic Nitrate Improves Mitochondrial Efficiency in Humans.Cell Metabolism, 2011, 13, 149-159.

As for the sodium, when you eat a natural paleo diet – it’s often actually a good thing to get more sodium into your diet.

And the fat content?

Of course, a huge argument against bacon is the saturated fat content. Yes, bacon is a lot higher in fat than turkey. But I don’t need to tell you why eating fat is not a problem, do I?

What do you think about bacon? Do you eat it often? Where do you get yours?

Brussels sprouts made tasty paleo recipe bacon primal-min

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Taste Amazing

2 Comments
Read more
Bacon coleslaw paleo recipes-min

How to Make Bacon Coleslaw

3 Comments
Read more
Quail’s Eggs, Bacon and Crispy Asparagus paleo recipe breakfast idea-min

Impress with a Sensational Paleo Breakfast: Quail’s Eggs & Bacon

1 Comment
Read more
Braised Wild Rabbit with Glazed Apples, Bacon and Shallots paleo dinner recipe winter-min

How to Make Braised Wild Rabbit the Paleo Way

1 Comment
Read more
Recipe paleo paella seafood-min

Hearty & Colourful Paleo Paella

1 Comment
Read more
Paleo Network Recipe Bacon Jalapeno Fritta Breakfast-min

Bacon & Jalapeño Paleo Frittata

6 Comments
Read more