Sweet & Savory Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
These Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites are a ridiculously easy, unbelievably quick, and unforgettable party appetizer. Featuring tender chicken wrapped in savory bacon and coated in a sticky, sweet maple glaze, they're a perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Toothpicks
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into about 1-inch pieces; chicken tenderloins also work
- 8 slices bacon regular cut, cut in half
- 1/2 cup maple syrup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground if possible
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into about 1-inch uniform pieces. Place them in a bowl.
- Step 2: Cut each slice of regular bacon in half. Wrap each bacon half around a chicken piece and secure with a toothpick. This helps keep the bacon snug and ensures it crisps up nicely.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush them with the maple glaze.
- Step 5: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and the bacon is gloriously crispy. Mid-bake, brush them with any leftover glaze on the baking sheet.
- Step 6: Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving (the glaze will be hot). Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Substitutions & Additions: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite (may need extra cook time). For a lighter option, use turkey bacon; for something decadent, try thinly sliced prosciutto. Vary the glaze by adding a dash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang, a spoon of brown sugar for more caramelization, a splash of orange juice for a citrusy hint, or a squeeze of sriracha for a little extra kick. They are great on their own, but also make a fantastic addition to a salad, or as part of a main course with some rice and roasted veggies.
Tips for Success: Try to cut chicken pieces uniformly in size to ensure they all cook at the same rate. Make sure toothpicks are firmly in place to keep bacon snug. Don't crowd the baking pan; give your chicken bites some space (use two baking sheets if needed) to ensure they roast and crisp up instead of steaming. Don't forget that mid-bake brush of glaze—it helps build up that irresistible sticky coating.
Prep Ahead: You can chop your chicken and even wrap the bacon a few hours ahead of time; store them covered in the fridge. You can also mix the glaze ahead of time. This makes assembly super speedy when you’re ready to bake.
Storage & Reheating: If you have any leftovers, place cooled chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) or an air fryer until warmed through and the bacon is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want that crispy texture back!