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
- 1 lb (453 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10–12 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Create Glaze: Whisk pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and lime juice until smooth, creating a vibrant and tangy coating for the chicken bites.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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