Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites (Print Version)
Juicy chicken and smoky bacon dressed with sweet glaze, baked until golden and irresistibly crisp.
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Bites
01 -
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
1 pound thin-cut bacon, each slice cut into thirds
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper, optional for heat
→ Glaze
10 -
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
11 -
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
12 -
2 tablespoons soy sauce
13 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, optional for tanginess
14 -
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional for spice
# Steps:
01 -
Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place chicken in a large mixing bowl.
02 -
Drizzle olive oil over chicken cubes. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chili powder or cayenne if desired. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor, or proceed if short on time.
03 -
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Position a wire rack on top.
04 -
Wrap each seasoned chicken cube with a third of a bacon slice. Secure with toothpick if needed. Arrange evenly on wire rack with space between each piece.
05 -
In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard if using. Add crushed red pepper flakes if preferred. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture slightly thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
06 -
Brush each bacon-wrapped chicken bite with prepared glaze. Place tray in preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, turning bites halfway through. After 20 minutes, brush with additional glaze. Bake until bacon is golden and crisp.
07 -
For extra crispiness, broil bites for 1–2 minutes at end of baking, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
08 -
Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with remaining glaze or serve with favorite dipping sauces. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
Using a wire rack over the baking sheet allows the bacon to crisp on all sides. Marinating the chicken enhances both tenderness and flavor.