When it comes to creating a dish that’s both sweet and savory, it’s hard to beat the dynamic duo of maple syrup and bacon. Add succulent chicken into the mix, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more. These Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers combine tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the rich, slightly caramelized flavor of maple syrup, all baked to perfection with a melty layer of cheddar cheese on top.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a party, or looking for a flavorful appetizer, these chicken poppers hit all the right notes. Easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is one you’ll want to make time and again.

Why You’ll Love Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers

Perfect Flavor Balance

One of the standout features of this recipe is the harmony between the sweet maple syrup, smoky bacon, and savory chicken. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that complements the salty, crispy bacon and the juicy chicken. This balance of flavors makes each bite an unforgettable experience.

Versatile Dish

Not only is this recipe great as a main dish, but it also doubles as a perfect appetizer. Whether served at a party or for a family dinner, these Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Quick and Easy Preparation

Another reason this recipe is a favorite is because it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can whip up these flavorful chicken poppers in no time. The combination of stovetop cooking and baking makes it a perfect dish for both beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.

Now that you know why this dish is so irresistible, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and step-by-step instructions that will have you preparing these Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers in no time.

Ingredients for Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers

To make this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
The chicken serves as the base for this dish. You’ll want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep it tender and juicy.
8 slices bacon (diced)
Bacon adds a crispy, savory component that perfectly complements the sweet maple syrup. The crispy texture and smoky flavor of the bacon are essential to this dish.
1/4 cup maple syrup
The maple syrup provides the sweetness that balances out the savory elements. It also adds a nice glaze that caramelizes as it bakes.
1 tsp garlic powder
Garlic powder is a great way to add flavor without overwhelming the dish. It gives the chicken a savory depth that pairs well with the bacon and syrup.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Smoked paprika gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
1/2 tsp salt
Salt is a must to season the chicken properly and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
1/4 tsp black pepper
A little black pepper helps balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and adds a mild heat to the dish.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
The cheddar cheese adds a rich, melty layer on top of the chicken poppers, making them extra comforting and delicious.
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Chopped green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the rich and smoky flavors of the dish, making for an appealing garnish.

Instructions for Making Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the chicken poppers and ensuring that the cheese melts perfectly on top.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat. Stir it occasionally, cooking until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Be sure to reserve a small amount of the bacon grease in the skillet, as this will be used to cook the chicken and add flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Season the chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the chicken frequently to ensure that it cooks evenly and browns on all sides. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Step 4: Add Maple Syrup

Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle maple syrup over the chicken, stirring to coat each piece. Let the mixture cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly and creates a delicious glaze on the chicken.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Bacon

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and bacon. Stir to mix them evenly, ensuring that the bacon is well-distributed throughout the chicken. Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the chicken and bacon mixture. This will melt beautifully as the dish bakes, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that makes the dish even more irresistible.

Step 7: Bake the Dish

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese has a golden-brown appearance and the aroma of maple syrup and bacon fills the air.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the dish is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions to add a fresh, vibrant touch. The green onions provide a pop of color and a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the bacon and cheese. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers

Use High-Quality Bacon: The bacon is one of the main flavor components in this recipe, so be sure to use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best results. The crispiness of the bacon adds texture and flavor, making it an essential part of the dish.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be mindful of the chicken’s cooking time. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so aim for just enough time to brown the chicken and ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp gouda for a unique twist on the dish.
Use a Large Skillet: To ensure the chicken browns evenly, use a large enough skillet so that the pieces aren’t overcrowded. This will allow them to cook properly without steaming.
Make It Spicy: For a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. This will give the dish a nice balance of heat alongside the sweet and savory flavors.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love these Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers, you’ll want to check out these other mouthwatering recipes that feature similar ingredients, cooking methods, or meal types:

Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders – Delicious, crispy chicken tenders stuffed with mozzarella cheese, perfect for dipping or serving as an appetizer.
Cheesy BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites – Tender, cheesy bites of chicken and bacon, coated in a smoky BBQ glaze.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups – A quick and easy recipe that wraps up all the flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch into a delightful roll-up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes! If you prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute for regular bacon. It won’t provide the same level of crispiness, but it will still add a savory flavor to the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and bacon mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just top it with cheese and bake as directed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the maple syrup and other ingredients are free from gluten. Just be sure to check labels if you have any dietary restrictions.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for the oven, you can make it in a slow cooker as well. Just cook the chicken and bacon in a skillet first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Conclusion

These Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers are the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory flavors of bacon and chicken with the sweet touch of maple syrup. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or serving up appetizers at a party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and indulge in the sweet and savory goodness of these irresistible chicken poppers. You’ll be glad you did!

Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers Recipe

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (approximately 12 poppers) 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers are the perfect combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and the rich sweetness of maple syrup. These bite-sized treats are easy to make, bursting with flavor, and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or serving a crowd at a party, these poppers will have everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 slices bacon, diced
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Bacon: In a skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving some bacon grease.
Prepare Chicken: In the same skillet, add chicken pieces to the reserved bacon grease. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Add Maple Syrup: Drizzle maple syrup over the cooked chicken and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
Combine: In a bowl, mix the chicken and bacon together. Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and bacon mixture.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispy bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s fully crisp before mixing it with the chicken for a crunchier texture.
Customize with other cheeses: If you prefer, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or another favorite cheese in place of cheddar.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the chicken while cooking for a spicy kick.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 popper (based on 12 poppers)
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Sweet & Savory Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers, maple bacon chicken, bacon chicken poppers, easy chicken appetizers, maple syrup chicken recipe, savory chicken bites, party appetizers