Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the bacon crisp up evenly.
2. Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in size.

Wrapping the Chicken

3. Prepare the Bacon: Cut the bacon slices into thirds or halves, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Each piece of chicken should be able to be wrapped completely by a piece of bacon.
4. Wrap the Chicken: Wrap each piece of chicken with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.

Seasoning

5. Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
6. Coat the Chicken: Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken bite in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Baking

7. Arrange on Rack: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the wire rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Optional Glaze

9. Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken bites are baking, mix the maple syrup (or honey) and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
10. Glaze the Chicken: In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the glaze over the bacon-wrapped chicken bites and return to the oven to finish baking.

Serving

11. Cool Slightly: Let the bacon-wrapped chicken bites cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the glaze set and the bites to be easily handled.
12. Serve: Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken bites warm, with toothpicks still in place for easy grabbing. They’re perfect on their own or with a dipping sauce like ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy aioli.

Conclusion

Bacon-wrapped chicken bites are a versatile and tasty appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. With their savory-sweet flavor and crispy texture, they’re an ideal addition to any party menu. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and can be customized with different seasonings and glazes to suit your taste. Enjoy these delightful bites and watch them disappear quickly!