Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites Recipe

Crispy Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy maple glazed bacon chicken bites promise a mouthwatering adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Juicy chicken pieces wrapped in smoky bacon create an irresistible combination of flavors.

Sweet maple syrup adds a delightful caramelized touch to each perfectly cooked morsel.

Weeknight dinners or game day gatherings become instantly memorable with this simple yet impressive dish.

Salt and sweetness interplay in a delectable harmony that keeps people coming back for more.

Simple ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up these delicious bites in no time.

Seriously, one bite and everyone at the table will be asking for the recipe.

Ingredients For Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that serves as the base for these delectable bite-sized morsels.
  • Bacon: Provides a crispy, savory wrapper that adds rich flavor and texture to the chicken.
For the Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and bacon.
For the Glaze and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Maple Syrup: Adds a sweet, rich base to the glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy, sharp note to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
  • Soy Sauce: Contributes a savory umami depth to the glaze.
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic kick to the overall flavor profile.
  • Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a subtle herbal note.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that introduces a hint of spicy heat.
For the Cooking Accessories:
  • Toothpicks: Used to secure bacon around chicken pieces during cooking.
  • Parchment Paper or Wire Rack: Helps manage excess grease and promotes crispy cooking.

How To Make Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized cubes. Season thoroughly with salt and black pepper, massaging the spices into the meat to maximize flavor.

Step 2: Bacon Wrapping Technique

Cut bacon slices into thirds. Wrap each seasoned chicken cube with a bacon strip, securing tightly with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. This helps drain excess grease and promotes crispy edges.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the prepared sheet, keeping them slightly separated. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until bacon turns crispy and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 5: Create Maple Glaze

Whisk together in a small bowl:
  • Maple syrup
  • Dijon mustard
  • Soy sauce
  • Minced garlic

Combine until a smooth, glossy mixture forms.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

Remove chicken bites from oven. Brush generously with maple glaze, allowing heat to caramelize the sauce. Sprinkle with:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let bites rest for 2-3 minutes to set the glaze and meld flavors. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips That Help With Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites

  • Slice Evenly: Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes to ensure consistent cooking and perfect bacon wrapping.
  • Season Thoroughly: Massage salt and black pepper into chicken pieces, allowing deep flavor penetration for maximum taste.
  • Bacon Wrapping Pro: Cut bacon strips into thirds for precise wrapping, using toothpicks to secure each piece and prevent unraveling during baking.
  • Crispy Coating Technique: Space chicken bites on baking sheet without touching to achieve crispy edges and prevent steaming.
  • Glaze Like a Chef: Brush warm maple-mustard glaze immediately after baking to caramelize sauce and lock in maximum flavor intensity.

Tasty Mix-Ups For Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites

  • Spicy Sriracha Bacon Chicken Bites: Replace maple syrup with sriracha sauce, adding a fiery kick and tangy heat to the classic recipe.
  • Herb-Crusted Chicken Wrap: Coat chicken cubes with dried herbs like thyme and rosemary before wrapping in bacon for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Keto-Friendly Bacon Chicken Poppers: Use sugar-free maple syrup alternative and skip glazing for a low-carb, high-protein option that fits ketogenic dietary needs.
  • Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Bites: Swap maple mustard glaze with sugar-free barbecue sauce, creating a smoky and savory alternative that delivers rich flavor complexity.

Perfect Sides For Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites

  • Enhance Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites Experience
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through rich bacon fat, complementing the sweet-tangy maple glaze with its bright, zesty profile.
  • Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetable Medley: Honey-glazed carrots and Brussels sprouts create a balanced plate, adding color and nutritional variety to the protein-packed appetizer.
  • Match with Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale, whose malty undertones and carbonation will cleanse the palate between savory, sweet bacon-wrapped bites.
  • Create Dipping Sauce Station: Offer honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for guests to customize their flavor experience and enhance the already delicious chicken bites.

Storing Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites The Easy Way

  • Store leftover bacon-wrapped chicken bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
  • Carefully place cooled chicken bites in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, spread bites on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain moisture.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs On Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites

  • Can I prepare these bacon-wrapped chicken bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to cooking time when baking directly from the fridge.

  • What if I don't have maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with honey or brown sugar mixed with a little water. These alternatives will provide similar sweetness and caramelization to the glaze.

  • Is there a way to make these bites spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the glaze. For more heat, use hot sauce or sriracha as part of your glaze ingredients.

What’s So Good About Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites

  • Craft Compact Bites: Perfect finger food that transforms simple chicken into an irresistible appetizer with minimal prep work.
  • Maximize Flavor Fusion: Bacon wrapping infuses rich, smoky notes while the maple glaze adds sweet-tangy complexity that elevates ordinary chicken.
  • Quick Party Hero: Impressive small plate that comes together rapidly, making it ideal for game day, potlucks, or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allowing personal touches like adding spicy red pepper flakes or experimenting with different glazing techniques for varied taste experiences.
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Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites Recipe

Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Maple glazed bacon chicken bites deliver sweet and savory comfort on a plate, blending rich Canadian maple syrup with crispy bacon and tender chicken. Guests will devour these irresistible morsels, craving each perfectly balanced bite that promises pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Bacon:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Maple Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Garnish and Seasoning:

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent cooking and even bacon wrapping.
  2. Season chicken cubes thoroughly with salt and black pepper, gently massaging the seasoning into the meat to enhance flavor penetration.
  3. Cut bacon slices into thirds, creating shorter strips perfectly sized for wrapping each chicken cube.
  4. Carefully wrap each seasoned chicken piece with a bacon strip, securing the bacon with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow excess grease to drip away.
  6. Arrange bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching to promote crispy edges.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crisp and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. While chicken bakes, whisk together maple syrup, dijon mustard, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create a glossy, aromatic glaze.
  9. Remove chicken bites from oven and immediately brush generously with the maple glaze, allowing the heat to caramelize the sauce.
  10. Transfer glazed bites to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a burst of color and subtle heat.
  11. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow glaze to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Choose uniform chicken cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent bacon wrapping, preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
  • Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and crispiness, which helps maintain the structural integrity of the bacon-wrapped bites.
  • Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to guarantee crispy edges and prevent steaming, which can make the bacon soggy and less appetizing.
  • Experiment with alternative glazes like honey-sriracha or bourbon-based sauces for different flavor profiles that complement the bacon and chicken.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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