If you’re in search of a game-changing appetizer that will have your guests begging for more, look no further than Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites! This delectable dish combines the smoky richness of crispy bacon with the sweet, savory goodness of maple syrup and tender chicken. Perfectly bite-sized and bursting with flavor, these little delights are sure to become your go-to party food, snack, or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these maple-glazed bacon-wrapped chicken bites are bound to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites
There’s something undeniably special about bacon-wrapped chicken bites, but when you add the irresistible sweetness of maple syrup, you’ve created a dish that’s nothing short of addictive. The contrast between the savory bacon, tender chicken, and sticky maple glaze creates a mouthwatering combination that will have your taste buds dancing. And with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious!
In this post, we’ll walk you through every step of making these maple glazed chicken bites, along with some tips and tricks to elevate the flavor even further. You’ll also learn how to customize the recipe to suit your personal preferences. Let’s dive in and create the ultimate appetizer!
Ingredients for Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites
Before we get started with the preparation, here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these bacon-wrapped chicken bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks (for skewering)
Ingredient Breakdown:
- Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is the perfect choice for these bites because it’s lean, tender, and easily absorbs the marinade. It also ensures the bites hold their shape when wrapped in bacon.
- Bacon: Bacon brings the salty, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of maple syrup. Cutting the bacon in half allows it to wrap snugly around each chicken piece, creating a crispy exterior as it bakes.
- Maple Syrup: The star of the glaze, maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a rich flavor. It complements the savory bacon and chicken, bringing out the best in each bite.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of tang and depth to the maple glaze. It balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder and Black Pepper: These ingredients give the marinade a savory kick and bring out the flavor of the chicken.
- Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon around the chicken pieces, making them easy to bake and serve.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures that the bacon gets crispy while the chicken cooks through. To make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will catch any drips from the bacon and glaze.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites
In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined. The maple syrup and Dijon mustard create a deliciously tangy and sweet marinade for the chicken. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure they are evenly coated in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
3. Wrap with Bacon
While the chicken is marinating, cut your bacon slices in half. For each piece of chicken, take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around the chicken bite. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to hold it in place. Repeat this process until all the chicken pieces are wrapped in bacon. The toothpicks will make it easy to handle and serve the bacon-wrapped chicken bites.
4. Bake the Chicken Bites
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart and not touching each other. This helps the bacon cook evenly and get crispy. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. This allows the bacon to firm up and the glaze to set. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. Enjoy these bacon-wrapped chicken bites as an appetizer, snack, or party dish!
Tips for the Perfect Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites
To ensure your maple glazed bacon chicken bites turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the bacon to cook evenly and get crispy, make sure the chicken bites are spaced out on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the bites and crisps up the bacon.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: For the best results, use thick-cut bacon. It holds its shape better and gets extra crispy.
- Customize the Glaze: Want a little extra kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy twist on these sweet and savory bites. You could also substitute the Dijon mustard with yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
- Check the Bacon: Depending on the thickness of your bacon, it may need slightly more or less time in the oven. If your bacon is not crispy after 25 minutes, increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Healthier Alternatives for Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites
If you’re looking for a healthier spin on these maple glazed bacon chicken bites, here are a few substitutions:
- Turkey Bacon: If you want to reduce the fat content, turkey bacon is a great alternative to regular bacon. It’s lower in fat but still provides that crispy texture and smoky flavor.
- Low-Sugar Maple Syrup: For a lighter option, use a sugar-free or low-sugar maple syrup. It will still provide the sweetness, but with fewer calories.
- Grilled Instead of Baked: If you prefer grilling, you can easily cook these bites on the grill. Simply thread the bacon-wrapped chicken pieces onto skewers and grill them over medium-high heat until cooked through and crispy.
Why These Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Ideal for Entertaining
Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just craving a savory snack, these maple glazed bacon chicken bites are a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make in large batches, and they’re perfect for dipping in sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy barbecue sauce. Serve them as a starter or snack, and watch your guests devour them in no time.
Kid-Friendly Delight
Kids love bacon, and when it’s wrapped around juicy chicken, it becomes an instant hit. Plus, the sweet maple glaze makes it even more irresistible for young taste buds. They’re also small enough for little hands to grab and enjoy without making a mess.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re looking to prep ahead for busy weeknights, these bacon-wrapped chicken bites are a great option. You can prepare them in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready. They also freeze well, so you can have a batch ready for later.
FAQs About Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly for this recipe. They are juicier and tender, but they might need a little more time to cook through.
Can I make these bites in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Can I cook these on the grill?
Yes, you can! Simply thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat until cooked through and crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on them so the bacon doesn’t burn.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep the bacon crispy.
Other Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved these Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites, make sure to check out these other amazing recipes for more delicious inspiration:
- Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie – A Hearty, Flavorful Treat!
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Potatoes – The Ultimate Comfort Food!
- Christmas Fudge – Easy Recipes and Tips for the Holidays!
Try these crowd-pleasing recipes for your next gathering or holiday celebration!
Print
Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites – Irresistibly Sweet & Savory
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet, savory, and irresistibly crispy! These Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites make for the perfect appetizer or snack, combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a delectable maple glaze that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks (for skewering)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. - Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss until coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes. - Wrap Chicken with Bacon
Wrap each marinated chicken piece with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. - Bake
Arrange bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through. - Serve
Let cool briefly and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Optional garnish: sprinkle with chopped parsley or drizzle with additional maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: maple glazed chicken bites, bacon chicken bites, easy appetizers, party food, savory bites, chicken recipes, bacon-wrapped chicken