Oh, have you ever felt the magic of combining smoky, crispy bacon with tender, juicy chicken? It’s like a culinary harmony that dances on your taste buds—yes, I’m serious. These bacon-wrapped chicken bites bring that symphony to life, transforming a simple appetizer into an irresistible delight that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and placing a wire rack on top, then spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt. Wrap each chicken piece with a slice of bacon and secure it using a toothpick.
- Roll the bacon-wrapped chicken pieces in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken bites on the prepared wire rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken bites immediately, and enjoy sharing this delicious appetizer!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound of bacon strips, cut into thirds
- 2/3 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (use 1/4 teaspoon if you prefer more heat)
- Salt, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3630kcal | Carbohydrates: 165g | Protein: 275g | Fat: 220g | Saturated Fat: 55g | Cholesterol: 935mg | Sodium: 4345mg | Potassium: 5005mg | Fiber: 55g | Sugar: 165g | Vitamin A: 2970IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 55mg
FAQ
- Are these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites spicy?
- The spiciness of these chicken bites varies depending on individual taste preferences. They do contain chili powder and cayenne pepper, which add some heat, but the sweetness from the brown sugar balances it out. You can adjust the level of spiciness by altering the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Can these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites be stored for later?
- These chicken bites are best enjoyed fresh, as the bacon tends to lose its crispiness over time. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days. For the best results when reheating, use an air fryer to restore some of the crispiness.
- How can I ensure the bacon stays crispy when making these bites?
- To achieve crispy bacon, bake the chicken bites on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup allows the heat to circulate around the bites, ensuring that the bacon crisps up without becoming soggy.
- What are some other appetizers similar to Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites?
- If you enjoy these chicken bites, you might also like Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts, Bacon Crackers, Mini Tortellini Kabobs, Texas Caviar, or Cheesy Corn Dip. These appetizers are also crowd-pleasers and perfect for any gathering.
- What ingredients are needed to make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites?
- You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces, bacon strips sliced into thirds, brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Additionally, you will need toothpicks, tinfoil, a baking sheet, a cooling rack, and nonstick spray for preparation.
Tips
- To achieve perfectly crispy bacon, bake the chicken bites on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, rather than placing them directly on the sheet.
- Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by altering the amount of cayenne pepper. This will ensure the balance between spicy, salty, and sweet flavors suits your taste.
- For the best texture and taste, serve the chicken bites immediately after baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days and reheat in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Consider making a double batch of these chicken bites, as they tend to disappear quickly at gatherings!
Equipment
- Wire cooling rack
- Baking sheet
- Nonstick cooking spray
