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Crispy, succulent, and delightfully sweet—these aren’t just any appetizers, they’re Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites rolled lovingly in brown sugar. Imagine biting into a tender morsel of chicken that’s been enveloped in a smoky bacon hug, then caramelized to perfection.
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Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
You could serve store-bought snacks, or you could effortlessly dazzle your guests with Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites, the no-fuss appetizer with maximum payoff. Imagine cubes of tender chicken hugged in a cocoon of crispy bacon, each bite sparkling with a brown sugar glaze that’s caramelized to sheer perfection.
The best part? These little gems are absurdly easy to make. No culinary gymnastics here—just a simple wrap, a quick roll, and a brief stint in the oven. In less than an hour, you’re serving a dish that screams ‘gourmet’ but whispers ‘effortless.’ Trust me, you’ll be fielding recipe requests faster than these bites disappear off the plate.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
- Flavor Explosion: The harmony of succulent chicken, smoky bacon, and sweet brown sugar creates a trifecta of flavors that’s hard to resist. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, delivering a gourmet experience that will have people reaching for seconds—and thirds!
- Quick and Easy: Convenience is king, and this recipe reigns supreme. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up an irresistible appetizer in under an hour.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual game day gathering, an elegant co*cktail party, or a holiday feast, these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites fit the bill. The recipe is also easy to adjust for larger or smaller crowds, making it as flexible as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts serve as the core of each flavorful bite. For a juicier option, chicken thighs work well.
- Bacon Slices wrap around the chicken for smokiness and cohesion. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative.
- Dark Brown Sugar caramelizes during baking, adding sweetness and depth. Light brown or granulated sugar can substitute.
- Salt is key for flavor enhancement. You can opt for kosher or sea salt based on your preference.
- Pepper provides a touch of spice to balance the sweetness. Cayenne or paprika could add a different kick.
- Parsley is used as a garnish for both taste and visual appeal. Chives or green onions make good alternatives.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
You won’t believe how easy and quick these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are to make. Trust me; this dish is a game-changer for any get-together.
Preheat and Prep the Pan
First up, crank that oven to 350℉. Slap some aluminum foil onto a baking sheet for a no-mess situation, and then place a cooling rack on top. Trust me, it makes life easier.
Season the Chicken and Wrap with Bacon
Now, season those chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; this is the base layer of flavor we’re building. Cut each slice into halves or thirds, depending on how long they are. Now wrap each chicken cube in a bacon slice. No toothpicks needed—the bacon will cling to the chicken like they’re best buds.
Next, grab a shallow plate and dump that dark brown sugar onto it. Now roll those bacon-wrapped chicken pieces in the brown sugar you set aside earlier. Make sure each piece is coated well; we want that sweet caramelization.
Place and Season Again
Lay those sugar-coated pieces on the cooling rack you’ve set on the baking sheet. Hit them with another sprinkle of salt and pepper. A little extra seasoning never hurt anyone!
Bake Them Up
Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Now, the original recipe says 45 minutes, but let’s keep an eye out, shall we? Start checking around the 30-minute mark. What you’re looking for is bacon that’s crisped up beautifully and chicken that’s fully cooked—that’s an internal temp of 165℉ if you want to get technical. Ovens can be quirky, so adjust your time depending on those factors.
Serve With This
30 minutes mins
BBQ Sauce
15 minutes mins
Antipasto Platter
35 minutes mins
Mashed Potatoes
10 minutes mins
Mojito Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to the point of baking and store them in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be starting off cold.
Can I use something other than dark brown sugar?
You bet! Light brown sugar or even granulated sugar can work in a pinch. Just know that the flavor profile will change a bit—the molasses in dark brown sugar adds that extra depth of flavor.
My bacon isn’t crisping up. What can I do?
If you find that the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can pop the bites under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on them, though, to make sure they don’t burn.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are generally juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, and double-check that the internal temperature reaches 165℉.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these bites?
Oh, the sky’s the limit here! BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and spicy Sriracha mayo are all fan-favorites. But feel free to get creative and match it to your own taste preferences.
Expert Tips
- Opt for Thinner Bacon –Thinner slices of bacon will crisp up more easily in the oven, giving you that perfect crunchy texture without overcooking the chicken.
- Use an Oven Thermometer –Oven temperatures can vary, so using an oven thermometer can help you ensure that you’re baking at precisely 350℉. This makes a big difference in achieving that ideal crispness.
- Double Layer of Seasoning –Don’t skip the second layer of salt and pepper before baking. It might seem like a small detail, but it adds a nice depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Temperature Check –For absolute certainty that your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165℉. It’s a foolproof way to ensure both taste and safety.
Storage
If you find yourself with leftovers—though let’s be real, that’s a big “if”—just pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350℉ for about 10 minutes to get that bacon crisp again.
But hey, maybe you’re planning way ahead or cooking for a smaller crowd; these bites are freezer-friendly too! To freeze, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, you can bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Discover More Delicious Appetizers
- Maple BBQ Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Bacon and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Cheesy Chicken Fritters
- Melon Prosciutto Skewers
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
4.45 from 208 votes
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Prep 15 minutes minutes
Cook 45 minutes minutes
Total 1 hour hour
8
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Meet your new go-to appetizer: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites. Imagine tender chicken enveloped in crispy bacon, all coated in caramelized brown sugar. They're as quick and easy to make as they are irresistible, making you the undisputed star of any gathering.
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Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 12 slices bacon (thin cut, cut into halves or thirds)
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (for garnish)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350℉.
Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil, this will save you from having to scrub your baking sheet. Place a cooling rack on top the baking sheet. I used a cooling rack here. Place the sugar in a shallow plate.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Depending on your bacon how thin or thick it is, cut each slice in either half or 3 pieces. I cut mine into 3. Wrap each piece of chicken with a piece of bacon. There is no need for toothpicks, the bacon will stick to the chicken. Roll the wrapped chicken into the brown sugar and make sure each piece is nicely coated in the brown sugar.
Place chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and season again with more salt and pepper.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until bacon is nice and crisp. Start checking around the 30-minute mark. What you're looking for is bacon that's crisped up beautifully and chicken that's fully cooked—that's an internal temp of 165℉.
Garnish with parsley, so that it looks pretty.
Notes
- Bacon Choice: Thinner slices of bacon work best for this recipe, as they’ll crisp up nicely without overcooking the chicken.
- Sugar Swap: While dark brown sugar is recommended for its rich molasses flavor, light brown or granulated sugar can also be used if you’re in a pinch.
- Cooking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s a good idea to start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Freezer-Friendly: These bites can be prepared ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Just extend the cooking time when baking from frozen.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1servingCalories: 249kcal (12%)Carbohydrates: 21g (7%)Protein: 10g (20%)Fat: 14g (22%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 40mg (13%)Sodium: 403mg (18%)Potassium: 203mg (6%)Fiber: 0.1gSugar: 20g (22%)Vitamin A: 64IU (1%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 22mg (2%)Iron: 0.4mg (2%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
