If you’re craving a dish that’s smoky, cheesy, and packed with flavor, then these Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites are exactly what you need! This recipe combines tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a zesty BBQ sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re preparing this for a family meal or a fun appetizer for your next gathering, these chicken bites are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this incredible recipe, and I promise you’ll love every bite.
Ingredients for Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites
Before you start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients for this mouthwatering dish. The key to a successful meal is having everything prepped and ready to go, so take a moment to organize your ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled, Bacon is a good source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Health Benefits of Bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
For the Ranch Drizzle:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
These ingredients are simple, but together they create an irresistible flavor combination that will leave your guests coming back for more!
Preparation for Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step to making these Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to perfection. While your oven is heating, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You want the pieces to be small enough that they cook quickly and evenly. In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken well to make sure each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
The seasoning blend adds a depth of flavor to the chicken, with the garlic and onion powder providing a savory base, while the smoked paprika gives it a nice hint of smokiness. It’s the perfect combination of spices that’ll take this dish to the next level.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken with BBQ Sauce
Now it’s time to bring in the BBQ sauce! Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce into the bowl with your seasoned chicken and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated. The BBQ sauce will infuse the chicken with its tangy and smoky flavor, creating a delicious glaze once baked. It’s the perfect sauce for this dish, adding moisture and a touch of sweetness that complements the savory chicken and crispy bacon.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken on the Baking Sheet
Once your chicken is fully coated in BBQ sauce, arrange the pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t overlapping, as this will help them cook evenly and crisp up. You want each bite to have that perfect balance of cheese, bacon, and chicken, and spreading them out will help achieve that.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Now comes the best part — the toppings! Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the BBQ-coated chicken bites. The cheese will melt and bubble as it bakes, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that is to die for. After adding the cheese, sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon over the chicken. The bacon adds crunch and flavor, giving each bite a satisfying crispy texture.
The combination of melted cheese and crispy bacon makes these chicken bites irresistible. As the cheese melts, it fuses the bacon and chicken together, making every bite a flavor explosion.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken Bites
Now it’s time to bake the chicken bites in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C). This is the magic number for fully cooked chicken that’s tender and juicy on the inside.
If you want your cheese to be extra bubbly and slightly golden, you can broil the chicken bites for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
Step 7: Drizzle with Ranch Dressing
Once your Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites are out of the oven and perfectly golden, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Drizzle ½ cup of ranch dressing over the chicken bites for a creamy, tangy contrast to the smoky BBQ and crispy bacon. The ranch dressing adds a rich, cool element that balances out the heat from the BBQ sauce and spices.
If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the chicken bites for a burst of color and freshness. It’s completely optional, but it does add a nice visual touch to your dish!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once you’ve drizzled the ranch dressing and garnished with parsley, your Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites are ready to serve. These little bites of deliciousness are best served hot, so be sure to dig in right away! Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal, you’ll love how smoky, cheesy, and tangy these chicken bites taste.
Nutritional Information for Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites
These Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites are not only delicious but also relatively balanced in terms of nutrition. Each serving of this dish contains approximately:
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
While these chicken bites are a little higher in fat due to the cheese and turkey bacon, they are also high in protein, making them a satisfying and filling meal. They can be paired with a side salad or vegetables to make a well-rounded meal.
Variations and Customizations
Spice It Up
If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This will give the chicken bites a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky BBQ and ranch drizzle.
Make It Low-Carb
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily make this recipe more keto-friendly by opting for a sugar-free BBQ sauce and using a lower-carb ranch dressing. You’ll still get all the great flavors without the extra carbs.
Add Extra Toppings
Feel free to get creative with the toppings! You could add some sliced green onions or jalapeños for added flavor. For a more decadent dish, you can even top the chicken with a drizzle of melted cheese for extra cheesy goodness.
FAQs About Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites
Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep these Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites in advance. You can prepare the chicken, coat it in BBQ sauce, and add the cheese and bacon. Store the unbaked chicken bites in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, you can definitely use regular bacon if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it up before adding it to the chicken bites.
Can I freeze Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites?
You can freeze these chicken bites after baking, but they may lose some of their crispiness when reheated. To freeze, let the bites cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What can I serve with Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites?
These chicken bites are great on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also work great as a game-day snack or appetizer.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and tangy, then these Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites are exactly what you need. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in these irresistible chicken bites!
For more delicious recipes, check out these crowd-pleasers:
- Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast: Cheesy and Delicious
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
- Creamy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Alfredo Bites
These dishes are perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your guests. Enjoy cooking and eating these tasty treats!
Print
Quick and Easy Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites are the ultimate flavor-packed snack or meal! Bite-sized chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce, topped with gooey cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon, make this dish irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, it’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
For the Ranch Drizzle:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Coat with BBQ Sauce: Add BBQ sauce to the seasoned chicken and mix until evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the BBQ-coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken pieces, followed by the crumbled turkey bacon.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Drizzle with Ranch: Once out of the oven, drizzle ranch dressing over the cheesy BBQ bacon chicken bites.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the BBQ Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter BBQ flavor, use a sweeter sauce or add a drizzle of honey.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For juicier bites, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Add Spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: BBQ bacon chicken bites, cheesy chicken bites, cheesy BBQ chicken, bacon wrapped chicken, BBQ chicken appetizers, easy chicken recipe, tasty chicken bites, chicken bites with cheese