Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe

 If you're looking for an appetizer or snack that’s guaranteed to win hearts (and taste buds), look no further than Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites! These tasty little morsels are the perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken and crispy, smoky bacon. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing game-day snacks, or just treating yourself, this dish is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the recipe is endlessly customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your flavor preferences.

Ready to get cooking? Here’s everything you need to know to whip up a batch of these irresistible bites.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts)
• 1 pound bacon (thin or regular cut works best)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)

For dipping (optional):

• Ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet to help the bacon cook evenly. If you don't have a wire rack, you can cook the bites directly on the foil, but expect them to be a bit crispier on the bottom!

2. Slice the Chicken:
   Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.

3. Season the Chicken:
   Place the chicken cubes in a mixing bowl and season them with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until all the pieces are evenly coated in seasoning.

4. Wrap the Chicken:
   Cut each slice of bacon in half (or thirds, depending on how big your chicken pieces are). Wrap a piece of bacon snugly around each chicken cube and secure it with a toothpick.

5. Coat in Brown Sugar:
   Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken bite in the brown sugar until it’s well coated. This will create a delicious sweet-and-savory glaze as it bakes.

6. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
   Arrange the bites on the wire rack, spacing them out so they don’t touch. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). For extra crispiness, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once they’re out of the oven, allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—or serve them on their own because they’re packed with flavor!

Tips and Variations

• Spice it Up: Love a little heat? Add more cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot honey over the bites before serving.
• Go Smoky: Use smoked paprika or even maple-smoked bacon for extra smokiness.
• Sweet & Tangy Twist: Brush the chicken with a bit of honey or barbecue sauce before wrapping in bacon, then add the brown sugar coating.
• Add Cheese: Place a small piece of cheddar or mozzarella on top of each chicken cube before wrapping it in bacon. The melted cheese inside is a game-changer.

Serving Suggestions

These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Pair them with other finger foods like sliders, veggie trays, or chips and dip for a snack-worthy spread.

Don’t forget the dips! Ranch, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard all go great with these bites, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Whether you’re making these for a special event or just for a cozy night in, there’s one thing that’s certain—these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites will disappear faster than you can say “pass the plate”! Enjoy!