Maple-Pepper Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F and adjust the oven rack to the top third position.

In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and kosher salt to create the glaze.

Lightly season each chicken breast with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.

Carefully wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon.

Place the wrapped chicken breasts in an oven-safe, 9x13 inch baking dish.

Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, or until almost cooked through. Then, increase the oven temperature to 450°F and continue cooking, brushing the chicken with the maple glaze every 5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This should take an additional 10-15 minutes.

Switch the oven to broil and cook for approximately 4 more minutes, or until the bacon is deeply golden. Slightly cool before serving, and sprinkle with more black pepper if desired.