Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
These Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are the perfect blend of salty bacon and tender chicken, making them a quick and comforting dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon works best to crisp evenly without overwhelming the chicken
Seasoning and Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil helps seasoning adhere and keeps chicken moist
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds a gentle smoky warmth
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder for savory flavor without raw garlic intensity
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder rounds out the flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional, for a caramelized, sweet-savory glaze
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a subtle tang
Tools
- to taste Toothpicks for securing each bite
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. If using an air fryer, preheat to 400°F.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until each piece is evenly coated.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap each chicken cube with a half-slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick. Arrange the bites seam-side down on the prepared sheet.
Cooking
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway to ensure even crisping. For air fryer cooking, arrange in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes.
- If you want extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely so nothing burns. Remove toothpicks before serving and let rest for 2 minutes.
Notes
Encourage personalization by swapping spices, using different mustards, or serving with various dipping sauces like ranch, maple mustard, or sriracha mayo.