Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are a savory, crispy, and irresistible snack or appetizer, perfect for parties or a fun dinner. They’re easy to make and loaded with flavor. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 slices of bacon (cut in half)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (or honey mustard, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Season the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes (about 1.5 inches).
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Wrap Chicken with Bacon:
- Take each piece of seasoned chicken and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon by sticking a toothpick through the middle (this will help keep the bacon in place while baking).
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart for even cooking.
5. Bake:
- Bake the chicken bites for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. If you want extra crispy bacon, you can broil the bites for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken bites cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce (barbecue sauce, ranch, or honey mustard are great options).
Tips:
- Adding Cheese: If you want to add extra richness, you can stuff the chicken with a little cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) before wrapping it in bacon.
- Sweet Glaze: For a sweet touch, brush the chicken bites with a little honey or maple syrup in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Air Fryer Option: For a quicker version, you can cook the bacon-wrapped chicken bites in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
These Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy their crispy, smoky, and juicy goodness!