Description
Succulent maple glazed bacon chicken bites bring sweet and savory magic to your appetizer spread. Crispy bacon wraps tender chicken, delivering irresistible flavor that promises to delight guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10–12 slices of bacon, cut in half
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Glaze Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lime juice
Serving Accessory:
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by positioning a rack in the middle and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Season chicken pieces with a balanced blend of salt and fresh cracked pepper, ensuring even coverage across each morsel.
- Meticulously wrap each seasoned chicken piece with a half slice of bacon, securing the bundle tightly with a wooden toothpick to maintain structural integrity during roasting.
- Craft the signature maple glaze by whisking together pure maple syrup, zesty Dijon mustard, and a splash of tangy lime juice until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
- Carefully arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
- Generously brush the exposed surfaces with the maple glaze, creating a glistening coating that will caramelize during roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the bacon to begin crisping and the chicken to start cooking through.
- Remove the baking sheet and carefully flip each chicken bite, revealing the golden underside and exposing the uncooked surface to direct heat.
- Apply a second layer of maple glaze, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor development.
- Continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bacon achieves a deep, crispy mahogany color and the chicken registers a safe internal temperature.
- Remove from the oven and let the bites rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute and glaze to set.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by optional dipping sauces like creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for added indulgence.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture and to help the bacon crisp up nicely around the chicken bites.
- Consider using sugar-free maple syrup for a lower-carb version of this recipe, which works perfectly for those following keto or diabetic diets.
- Prep toothpicks beforehand and soak them in water to prevent burning during the high-temperature baking process, keeping your chicken bites intact and looking beautiful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg