Crispy Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites Recipe

Irresistible Crispy Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites Recipe

Tender chicken pieces drizzled with maple bacon glaze create an irresistible appetizer that melts in your mouth.

These crispy maple glazed bacon chicken bites pack serious flavor into every single bite.

Sweet and savory notes dance across your palate with each delectable morsel.

Crispy bacon wraps around juicy chicken, delivering a perfect texture contrast that makes this recipe shine.

Simple ingredients combine to produce an extraordinary snack that wows guests and family alike.

The golden-brown exterior promises a crunch that gives way to succulent chicken underneath.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering treat that turns an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Cut them into bite-sized pieces about 1-2 inches in size for even cooking and perfect bacon wrapping.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through without being dry.

  • Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped chicken bites and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.

  • Is there a way to make these less greasy?

Use thick-cut bacon and place the bites on a wire rack over the baking sheet. This allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in crispier bacon and less grease.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Sticky-Sweet Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Tender white meat that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh, organic cuts for best texture and taste.
  • Bacon: Adds smoky richness and crispy texture, select thick-cut or applewood-smoked varieties for maximum flavor.
For Glaze Ingredients:
  • Maple Syrup: Provides sweet, caramelized undertones, opt for pure, Grade A maple syrup from Vermont or Quebec.
  • Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy complexity and helps bind the glaze, choose a smooth, high-quality French-style mustard.
  • Lime Juice: Brings bright, zesty acidity to balance the sweetness, use freshly squeezed for most vibrant flavor.
For Seasoning and Preparation:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides more intense flavor.
  • Toothpicks: Essential for securing bacon around chicken, choose sturdy wooden picks for easy assembly.

Tools for Baking Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting chicken bites evenly and catching drips.
  • Parchment Paper or Foil: Creates easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing maple glaze ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helps blend maple glaze smoothly.
  • Toothpicks: Secures bacon around chicken pieces.
  • Pastry Brush: Applies maple glaze evenly on chicken bites.
  • Sharp Knife: Cuts bacon slices in half.
  • Cutting Board: Provides safe surface for preparing ingredients.

How to Cook Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites Perfectly

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Wrap and Season

Grab your chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lovingly wrap each piece in a crispy bacon slice, securing with a toothpick.

  • Whip Together the Glaze

In a small bowl, blend maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of lime juice until smooth and glossy.

  • First Baking Round

Place bacon-chicken bundles on the prepared sheet. Generously brush with the maple mixture. Slide into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until edges start to crisp.

  • Flip and Finish

Pull out the sheet, flip each bite, and coat with another layer of glaze. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes until bacon turns golden and chicken is perfectly cooked.

  • Plate and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling bites to a serving platter. Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired. Devour while hot and crispy.

Flavor Ideas for Maple Glazed Chicken and Bacon Lovers

  • Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat and calories for health-conscious eaters.
  • Pat chicken pieces completely dry before wrapping with bacon to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Experiment with different glazes like honey-sriracha, bourbon-brown sugar, or spicy apricot jam to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Prepare bacon-wrapped chicken bites up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenient entertaining.

Serving Bacon Chicken Bites as an Appetizer or Meal

  • Party Platter Powerhouse: Create a stunning appetizer display with multiple dipping sauces and fresh herb garnishes to make these bacon chicken bites the star of your gathering.
  • Weekend Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, and fresh fruit for a delightful weekend morning meal that will wow your guests.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Arrange on a large wooden board with toothpicks, offer extra maple glaze in a small dipping bowl, and watch these bite-sized treats disappear during sports events.
  • Cocktail Hour Companion: Pair with chilled white wine or crisp craft beer, and set out on a sleek serving platter for an elegant pre-dinner appetizer that sparks conversation.

Tips for Reheating Maple Chicken Bites Without Drying

  • Seal cooled chicken bites in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Wrap individual chicken bites in aluminum foil, then store in freezer-safe bags. Frozen bites stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed bites in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes. This method restores crispy bacon and juicy chicken without drying out the meat. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crunchiness.
  • Prepare bacon-wrapped chicken bites up to 24 hours in advance. Keep unbaked bites covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for maximum flavor and freshness. Brush with glaze right before cooking to prevent soggy texture.
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Crispy Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites Recipe

Crispy Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Maple glazed bacon chicken bites blend sweet Canadian maple syrup with crispy bacon and tender chicken. Succulent morsels deliver rich flavor and perfect appetizer appeal for gatherings and special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (453 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1012 slices bacon, cut in half
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) lime juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Prepare Workspace: Position oven rack in middle and line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to facilitate easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
  2. Season and Wrap: Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then meticulously wrap each morsel with a half slice of bacon, securing tightly with a wooden toothpick.
  3. Create Glaze: Whisk pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and lime juice until smooth, creating a vibrant and tangy coating for the chicken bites.
  4. Initial Roasting: Arrange bacon-wrapped chicken pieces on prepared baking sheet with spacing, brush generously with maple glaze, and roast at 400°F for 15 minutes until bacon begins to crisp and chicken starts cooking.
  5. Final Cooking Stage: Flip chicken bites, apply another layer of glaze, and continue roasting for 10-15 minutes until bacon turns deep mahogany and chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
  6. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, allow bites to rest briefly for juice redistribution, and serve immediately with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

Manage Bacon Moisture: Pat bacon dry before wrapping to prevent excess grease and ensure crispy, perfectly caramelized edges during roasting.

Prevent Toothpick Burning: Soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10 minutes before use to prevent them from charring or catching fire in the hot oven.

Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.

Glaze Application Technique: Apply maple glaze in thin, even layers during the last roasting stages to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, caramelized finish.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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