Chicken Bites Wrapped in Bacon: A Savory Delight
Introduction
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon are a savory and irresistible appetizer that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the tenderness of chicken. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a game day snack, or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these bacon-wrapped chicken bites are sure to impress your guests. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 12 slices of bacon (1 slice per chicken bite)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts or chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoning mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the seasoned chicken to marinate for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Wrap the Chicken with Bacon
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each seasoned chicken piece. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. Repeat for all the chicken bites.
4. Bake the Chicken Bites
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. This helps the bacon cook evenly and become crispy.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional Broil (for Extra Crispiness)
- If you desire even crispier bacon, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Serve Hot
- Once the chicken bites wrapped in bacon are done, remove them from the oven.
- Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your guests with hot bacon.
- Serve these delicious bacon-wrapped chicken bites as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
Conclusion
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon are a savory sensation that will disappear from the serving platter in no time. The combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or as a tasty snack, these flavorful bites are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich, smoky goodness of this appetizer at your next event!
