Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This dish is not just a treat for the palate; it also carries a rich history rooted in the culinary traditions of North America, where maple syrup has long been cherished for its unique flavor. The combination of crispy bacon and tender chicken, all enveloped in a luscious maple glaze, creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.
People love Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites for their incredible taste and satisfying texture. The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the juicy chicken provides a tender bite, all harmonized by the sweet, sticky glaze. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a quick and convenient meal, these bites are sure to impress. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that perfectly balances flavors and textures, making it a favorite for any occasion!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken Bites
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken bites cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture.
- While the oven is heating, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. I usually cut them into about 1-inch cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling adventurous). Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This will be your marinade and glaze.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. I like to use my hands to mix everything together, but you can also use a spatula. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for a few hours or even overnight will enhance the flavor.
Wrapping the Chicken Bites
- Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to wrap them in bacon. Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around each chicken piece, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. I find that using thick-cut bacon gives the best results, as it holds up well during cooking and adds a delicious flavor.
- As you wrap the chicken, place each bacon-wrapped piece on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help with cleanup later and prevent sticking. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they can cook evenly.
Cooking the Chicken Bites
- Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the bacon-wrapped chicken bites. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, I like to flip the chicken bites to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, take the remaining marinade and brush it over the chicken bites. This will create a beautiful glaze and enhance the flavor. Just be careful not to brush too much on, as you want to avoid excess liquid that could make them soggy.
Serving the Chicken Bites
- Once the chicken bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
- Transfer the chicken bites to a serving platter. I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. It also adds a nice herbal note that complements the sweetness of the maple glaze.
- These maple glazed bacon chicken bites are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating, and don’t forget to have some extra maple syrup on the side for dipping!
Tips and Variations
- If you want to add some extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a smoky or spicy kick.
- For a healthier twist, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. It will still provide a nice flavor, but keep in mind that it may not get as crispy.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well blended.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or longer for enhanced flavor).
- After marinating, wrap each chicken piece with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece.
- Drizzle olive oil over the bacon-wrapped chicken bites.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining marinade over the chicken bites for added flavor.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating and extra maple syrup on the side for dipping.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or hot sauce into the marinade.
- For a healthier option, substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon, keeping in mind it may not crisp up as much.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, these Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their appetizer game. The combination of savory bacon, tender chicken, and the sweet, sticky maple glaze creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or just want to treat yourself to something special, these bites are sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these delicious morsels with a side of creamy ranch or a zesty dipping sauce to complement the sweetness of the maple glaze. You can also serve them on a platter with fresh veggies or a light salad for a balanced meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of glazes—honey mustard or a spicy sriracha glaze can add a fun twist to the original recipe. I encourage you to give these Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how they turned out for you and any variations you might have tried. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! Print
Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Appetizer
Description
These Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, featuring tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a rich maple glaze. Perfect for appetizers or a main dish, these bites are sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
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