24 Glorious Bacon wrapped chicken bites

If you’re looking for the absolute showstopper that requires almost zero brainpower, let me introduce you to my famous bacon wrapped chicken bites. Seriously, these things disappear the second I put them out at any party. I’m Anna, and I’m obsessed with finding simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking feel joyful instead of like a chore.

I know you’re busy—who isn’t? That’s why I developed this recipe to be incredibly reliable. We’re taking simple chicken cubes, wrapping them tight in savory bacon, and then smothering them in a sticky, sweet glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward appetizer.

Forget complicated steps or fussy ingredients. These bacon wrapped chicken bites are designed for real life. They bake right up on a rack so the bottoms don’t get soggy, which is my biggest pet peeve with wrapped appetizers! Trust me, once you try this combination of salty, sweet, and smoky, you’ll be making them every weekend.

What Makes These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites So Appealing

What’s the big deal about these bacon wrapped chicken bites? It’s all about that glaze, honestly. That sticky sweet mixture of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon turns into this incredible, deeply caramelized shell while the chicken stays juicy inside. It hits that perfect spot between savory and sweet that everyone loves.

I’ve tested this recipe countless times—it’s my secret weapon for game days and last-minute get-togethers. You get bold, concentrated flavor without any fuss. They look fancy, but the prep time is ridiculously short. It’s a tried-and-true method for guaranteed crowd-pleasing results. If you are looking for more easy appetizer ideas, check out my Buffalo Chicken Dip!

Quick Prep and Perfect Party Food

If you need an easy appetizer that tastes like you spent all afternoon on it, this is it. The short prep time means you can whip these up fast. They are genuinely the perfect party food because they hold their warmth well and never feel heavy. Everyone always asks for the recipe! You can see more of my favorite party recipes on Pinterest!

Equipment Needed for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

To make sure these bacon wrapped chicken bites turn out perfectly crisp and caramelized, you really need a couple of key tools. Since we’re aiming for that crisp bacon texture, avoiding a soggy bottom is crucial! Don’t worry, these aren’t specialized gadgets.

• Rimmed Baking Sheet: Essential for catching any drips from that amazing glaze.
• Wire Rack: This is non-negotiable! It allows air to circulate around the chicken bites.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For whipping up the sweet glaze mixture.
• Meat Thermometer: Absolutely necessary for ensuring your chicken is safe and cooked through to 165°F.

Shopping List: Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Since these bacon wrapped chicken bites are so simple, the quality of what you use really shines through. You only need a handful of things, and most of them are pantry staples. I’ve made sure the measurements are precise here, because we don’t want any guesswork when it comes to that perfect glaze consistency.

The recipe specifically calls for beef bacon, which tends to be leaner and crisps up nicely under the glaze without releasing tons of grease. If you can find it, grab it! I’ve noted that in the table below. Remember, we are making about 24 amazing bites, so measure everything out before you start wrapping.

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation Notes
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast	1 pound	Cut into 1 inch cubes
Beef Bacon	12 slices	Cut in half crosswise (Note: If using standard beef bacon, follow this. See substitution notes later.)
Brown Sugar	1 quarter cup	Packed measurement
Honey	2 tablespoons
Dijon Mustard	1 tablespoon
Smoked Paprika	1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder	1 half teaspoon
Black Pepper	1 half teaspoon

Ingredient Notes and Safe Substitutions

That note about beef bacon is important! Beef bacon is specified because it handles the high heat and the sugar glaze really well, giving you a firmer wrap. If you absolutely cannot find beef bacon, you can use standard pork bacon, but you must watch your cooking time closely. Pork bacon releases more fat and might cook faster.

Since this recipe is designed for savory flavor, I’m skipping the fresh herbs here; the smoked paprika does all the heavy lifting! Just make sure your chicken breast cubes are uniform, about one inch, so they cook evenly inside those bacon blankets. If you are interested in other ways to cook chicken breast, check out my tips for juicy baked chicken breasts.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it moves fast once you get into the rhythm. We are aiming for perfectly cooked chicken inside a crispy, sticky bacon shell. Pay close attention to that temperature check—it’s the secret to both safety and deliciousness when making these bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Preparing the Chicken and Wrapping

First things first: get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and then set a wire rack right on top of that sheet. This setup is key to avoiding soggy bottoms later on.

Next, take your one pound of chicken breast cubes and pat them really dry with paper towels. If the chicken is wet, the bacon won’t stick right. Toss those dry cubes in a bowl and sprinkle them evenly with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a quick toss to coat everything.

Now for the wrapping! Take one half-slice of beef bacon and wrap it tightly around each seasoned chicken piece. You want to secure the seam side down on the wire rack. Arrange all 24 of your wrapped chicken bites on the rack, leaving a little bit of breathing room between each one so the heat can circulate properly.

Creating the Sweet Glaze

While the oven finishes heating up, let’s make that incredible glaze. Grab a small bowl—don’t make yourself do extra dishes!—and combine the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk it together until that mixture is completely smooth. It should look thick and glossy. If it seems too stiff, you can add just a tiny splash of water, but usually, the honey keeps it perfectly pourable.

Baking and Achieving Caramelization

Once your oven is at 400°F, take your glaze and brush it generously over every single wrapped bite sitting on the rack. Don’t be shy with it; this is where the flavor comes from!

Bake them for 18 minutes. After that first bake, pull the tray out carefully. You’ll need to flip each piece over. Brush the remaining glaze evenly over the freshly exposed side. Pop them back in the oven for another 10 to 12 minutes. This second bake is crucial for caramelization.

You absolutely must check the internal temperature now. Stick that meat thermometer into the thickest part of a few different bites. They are done only when they hit 165°F. If they haven’t hit that temperature, give them another minute or two, but keep an eye on that bacon so it doesn’t burn!

Resting Your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Resist the urge to grab one immediately! Once they hit 165°F, take the whole tray out. Let these amazing bacon wrapped chicken bites rest right there on the wire rack for just 3 minutes. This resting time lets the juices settle back into the chicken and helps the glaze firm up just a tiny bit so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Every Time

Even with such a simple recipe for bacon wrapped chicken bites, there are always little tricks I use to guarantee perfection. If you’ve ever had a soggy appetizer, you know how disappointing that is. Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up crisp, shiny bites every single time you make them.

Achieving Maximum Crispness

The wire rack is your best friend here. If you just put them directly on the parchment paper, the bacon fat and glaze drip down and steam the bottom of the wrap. By elevating them, the heat hits all sides, and the excess moisture drips away. Also, when arranging them, make sure they aren’t touching! If they snuggle up too close, the steam gets trapped between them, and you end up with soft bacon instead of crispy bacon.

Glaze Consistency Check

If your honey was crystallized or very cold when you started mixing, your glaze might be a little too thick to brush on easily. If you find you are tugging the bacon when you try to brush, just stir in about half a teaspoon of warm water at a time until it flows nicely off the brush. Remember, you apply half before baking and half after flipping, so don’t use it all up in the first pass!

Serving Suggestions for Your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

These bites are superstars all on their own, thanks to that sweet and savory profile. However, if you want to dress up your platter, think about what balances richness. A little bit of fresh green is always nice! Try sprinkling them with some finely chopped fresh parsley right before serving for a pop of color.

For dipping, a cool, creamy contrast works wonders. A side of plain Greek yogurt mixed with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice, or even a simple ranch dressing, is fantastic for cutting through the sweetness of the glaze on these bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers—which rarely happens in my house—storing them correctly is important to keep that bacon from getting rubbery. Make sure they are completely cooled before you store them. Don’t put warm food straight into the fridge; it creates condensation, which equals sogginess! Everyone loves these so much, I rarely have leftovers, but if you do, you can find other great chicken recipes here.

For the best texture when reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. The microwave makes bacon soft again, and we worked hard to make it crispy! The oven or an air fryer works best to bring back that caramelized crust.

Storage Method	Duration	Reheating Tip
Airtight Container (Refrigerator)	Up to 3 days	Oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through
Freezer (Airtight)	Up to 1 month	Thaw overnight before reheating

Frequently Asked Questions About These Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

I get a ton of questions about making sure these appetizers turn out just right, especially since people often substitute bacon types. Don’t worry; I’ve got the answers to the most common issues with these easy bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You absolutely can prep these ahead! I recommend cutting and seasoning the chicken, and even wrapping it all up, the day before. Keep the wrapped bites assembled tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. Just don’t apply the glaze until about 15 minutes before you plan to put them in the oven. That keeps the bacon fresh!

What temperature must the chicken reach?

This is the most important question for safety! Every bite must reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I always use my instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken cube, making sure the probe doesn’t touch the bacon, which will read hotter. It’s the only way to know for sure!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

You can, but you need to adjust your timing! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, but they are also thicker. If you use thigh meat, add about 5 to 7 minutes to the total cooking time. Keep checking that temperature to ensure you hit 165°F inside that thicker piece.

Share Your Success with These Appetizers

I really hope you love making these as much as I love eating them! They are my go-to for a reason. If you tried these simple, delicious bacon wrapped chicken bites, please leave me a rating below! I’d love to hear what you served them with in the comments!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it moves fast once you get into the rhythm. We are aiming for perfectly cooked chicken inside a crispy, sticky bacon shell. Pay close attention to that temperature check—it’s the secret to both safety and deliciousness when making these bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Preparing the Chicken and Wrapping

First things first: get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and then set a wire rack right on top of that sheet. This setup is key to avoiding soggy bottoms later on.

Next, take your one pound of chicken breast cubes and pat them really dry with paper towels. If the chicken is wet, the bacon won’t stick right. Toss those dry cubes in a bowl and sprinkle them evenly with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a quick toss to coat everything.

Now for the wrapping! Take one half-slice of beef bacon and wrap it tightly around each seasoned chicken piece. You want to secure the seam side down on the wire rack. Arrange all 24 of your wrapped chicken bites on the rack, leaving a little bit of breathing room between each one so the heat can circulate properly.

Creating the Sweet Glaze

While the oven finishes heating up, let’s make that incredible glaze. Grab a small bowl—don’t make yourself do extra dishes!—and combine the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk it together until that mixture is completely smooth. It should look thick and glossy. If it seems too stiff, you can add just a tiny splash of water, but usually, the honey keeps it perfectly pourable.

Baking and Achieving Caramelization

Once your oven is at 400°F, take your glaze and brush it generously over every single wrapped bite sitting on the rack. Don’t be shy with it; this is where the flavor comes from!

Bake them for 18 minutes. After that first bake, pull the tray out carefully. You’ll need to flip each piece over. Brush the remaining glaze evenly over the freshly exposed side. Pop them back in the oven for another 10 to 12 minutes. This second bake is crucial for caramelization.

You absolutely must check the internal temperature now. Stick that meat thermometer into the thickest part of a few different bites. They are done only when they hit 165°F. If they haven’t hit that temperature, give them another minute or two, but keep an eye on that bacon so it doesn’t burn!

Resting Your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Resist the urge to grab one immediately! Once they hit 165°F, take the whole tray out. Let these amazing bacon wrapped chicken bites rest right there on the wire rack for just 3 minutes. This resting time lets the juices settle back into the chicken and helps the glaze firm up just a tiny bit so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Every Time

Even with such a simple recipe for bacon wrapped chicken bites, there are always little tricks I use to guarantee perfection. If you’ve ever had a soggy appetizer, you know how disappointing that is. Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up crisp, shiny bites every single time you make them.

Achieving Maximum Crispness

The wire rack is your best friend here. If you just put them directly on the parchment paper, the bacon fat and glaze drip down and steam the bottom of the wrap. By elevating them, the heat hits all sides, and the excess moisture drips away. Also, when arranging them, make sure they aren’t touching! If they snuggle up too close, the steam gets trapped between them, and you end up with soft bacon instead of crispy bacon.

Glaze Consistency Check

If your honey was crystallized or very cold when you started mixing, your glaze might be a little too thick to brush on easily. If you find you are tugging the bacon when you try to brush, just stir in about half a teaspoon of warm water at a time until it flows nicely off the brush. Remember, you apply half before baking and half after flipping, so don’t use it all up in the first pass!

Serving Suggestions for Your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

These bites are superstars all on their own, thanks to that sweet and savory profile. However, if you want to dress up your platter, think about what balances richness. A little bit of fresh green is always nice! Try sprinkling them with some finely chopped fresh parsley right before serving for a pop of color.

For dipping, a cool, creamy contrast works wonders. A side of plain Greek yogurt mixed with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice, or even a simple ranch dressing, is fantastic for cutting through the sweetness of the glaze on these bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers—which rarely happens in my house—storing them correctly is important to keep that bacon from getting rubbery. Make sure they are completely cooled before you store them. Don’t put warm food straight into the fridge; it creates condensation, which equals sogginess! You want to preserve that crispness we worked so hard for when making these bacon wrapped chicken bites.

For the best texture when reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. The microwave makes bacon soft again, and we don’t want that! The oven or an air fryer works best to bring back that caramelized crust. Just remember to thaw them first if you froze them!

Storage Method	Duration	Reheating Tip
Airtight Container (Refrigerator)	Up to 3 days	Oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through
Freezer (Airtight)	Up to 1 month	Thaw overnight before reheating

Frequently Asked Questions About These Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

I get a ton of questions about making sure these appetizers turn out just right, especially since people often substitute bacon types. Don’t worry; I’ve got the answers to the most common issues with these easy bacon wrapped chicken bites. We want every batch to be perfect, with that amazing sticky glaze and juicy interior!

Can I make these ahead of time?

You absolutely can prep these ahead! I recommend cutting and seasoning the chicken, and even wrapping it all up, the day before. Keep the wrapped bites assembled tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. Just don’t apply the glaze until about 15 minutes before you plan to put them in the oven. That keeps the bacon fresh and ready for that sweet glaze!

What temperature must the chicken reach?

This is the most important question for safety! Every bite must reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I always use my instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken cube, making sure the probe doesn’t touch the bacon, which will read hotter. It’s the only way to know for sure that your chicken is cooked perfectly!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

You can, but you need to adjust your timing! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, but they are also thicker. If you use thigh meat, add about 5 to 7 minutes to the total cooking time. Keep checking that temperature to ensure you hit that 165°F mark inside that thicker piece. The caramelization might look slightly different, but the flavor will still be fantastic!

Share Your Success with These Appetizers

I really hope you love making these as much as I love eating them! They are my go-to appetizer for a reason. If you tried these simple, delicious bacon wrapped chicken bites, please leave me a rating below! I’d love to hear what you served them with and what kind of party you made them for in the comments!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it moves fast once you get into the rhythm. We are aiming for perfectly cooked chicken inside a crispy, sticky bacon shell. Pay close attention to that temperature check—it’s the secret to both safety and deliciousness when making these bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Preparing the Chicken and Wrapping

First things first: get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and then set a wire rack right on top of that sheet. This setup is key to avoiding soggy bottoms later on.

Next, take your one pound of chicken breast cubes and pat them really dry with paper towels. If the chicken is wet, the bacon won’t stick right. Toss those dry cubes in a bowl and sprinkle them evenly with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a quick toss to coat everything.

Now for the wrapping! Take one half-slice of beef bacon and wrap it tightly around each seasoned chicken piece. You want to secure the seam side down on the wire rack. Arrange all 24 of your wrapped chicken bites on the rack, leaving a little bit of breathing room between each one so the heat can circulate properly.

Creating the Sweet Glaze

While the oven finishes heating up, let’s make that incredible glaze. Grab a small bowl—don’t make yourself do extra dishes!—and combine the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk it together until that mixture is completely smooth. It should look thick and glossy. If it seems too stiff, you can add just a tiny splash of water, but usually, the honey keeps it perfectly pourable.

Baking and Achieving Caramelization

Once your oven is at 400°F, take your glaze and brush it generously over every single wrapped bite sitting on the rack. Don’t be shy with it; this is where the flavor comes from!

Bake them for 18 minutes. After that first bake, pull the tray out carefully. You’ll need to flip each piece over. Brush the remaining glaze evenly over the freshly exposed side. Pop them back in the oven for another 10 to 12 minutes. This second bake is crucial for caramelization.

You absolutely must check the internal temperature now. Stick that meat thermometer into the thickest part of a few different bites. They are done only when they hit 165°F. If they haven’t hit that temperature, give them another minute or two, but keep an eye on that bacon so it doesn’t burn!

Resting Your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Resist the urge to grab one immediately! Once they hit 165°F, take the whole tray out. Let these amazing bacon wrapped chicken bites rest right there on the wire rack for just 3 minutes. This resting time lets the juices settle back into the chicken and helps the glaze firm up just a tiny bit so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Every Time

Even with such a simple recipe for bacon wrapped chicken bites, there are always little tricks I use to guarantee perfection. If you’ve ever had a soggy appetizer, you know how disappointing that is. Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up crisp, shiny bites every single time you make them.

Achieving Maximum Crispness

The wire rack is your best friend here. If you just put them directly on the parchment paper, the bacon fat and glaze drip down and steam the bottom of the wrap. By elevating them, the heat hits all sides, and the excess moisture drips away. Also, when arranging them, make sure they aren’t touching! If they snuggle up too close, the steam gets trapped between them, and you end up with soft bacon instead of crispy bacon.

Glaze Consistency Check

If your honey was crystallized or very cold when you started mixing, your glaze might be a little too thick to brush on easily. If you find you are tugging the bacon when you try to brush, just stir in about half a teaspoon of warm water at a time until it flows nicely off the brush. Remember, you apply half before baking and half after flipping, so don’t use it all up in the first pass!

Serving Suggestions for Your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

These bites are superstars all on their own, thanks to that sweet and savory profile. However, if you want to dress up your platter, think about what balances richness. A little bit of fresh green is always nice! Try sprinkling them with some finely chopped fresh parsley right before serving for a pop of color.

For dipping, a cool, creamy contrast works wonders. A side of plain Greek yogurt mixed with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice, or even a simple ranch dressing, is fantastic for cutting through the sweetness of the glaze on these bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers—which rarely happens in my house—storing them correctly is important to keep that bacon from getting rubbery. Make sure they are completely cooled before you store them. Don’t put warm food straight into the fridge; it creates condensation, which equals sogginess! You want to preserve that crispness we worked so hard for when making these bacon wrapped chicken bites.

For the best texture when reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. The microwave makes bacon soft again, and we don’t want that! The oven or an air fryer works best to bring back that caramelized crust. Just remember to thaw them first if you froze them!

Storage Method	Duration	Reheating Tip
Airtight Container (Refrigerator)	Up to 3 days	Oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through
Freezer (Airtight)	Up to 1 month	Thaw overnight before reheating

Frequently Asked Questions About These Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

I get a ton of questions about making sure these appetizers turn out just right, especially since people often substitute bacon types. Don’t worry; I’ve got the answers to the most common issues with these easy bacon wrapped chicken bites. We want every batch to be perfect, with that amazing sticky glaze and juicy interior!

Can I make these ahead of time?

You absolutely can prep these ahead! I recommend cutting and seasoning the chicken, and even wrapping it all up, the day before. Keep the wrapped bites assembled tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. Just don’t apply the glaze until about 15 minutes before you plan to put them in the oven. That keeps the bacon fresh and ready for that sweet glaze!

What temperature must the chicken reach?

This is the most important question for safety! Every bite must reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I always use my instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken cube, making sure the probe doesn’t touch the bacon, which will read hotter. It’s the only way to know for sure that your chicken is cooked perfectly!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

You can, but you need to adjust your timing! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, but they are also thicker. If you use thigh meat, add about 5 to 7 minutes to the total cooking time. Keep checking that temperature to ensure you hit that 165°F mark inside that thicker piece. The caramelization might look slightly different, but the flavor will still be fantastic!

Share Your Success with These Appetizers

I really hope you love making these as much as I love eating them! They are my go-to appetizer for a reason. If you tried these simple, delicious bacon wrapped chicken bites, please leave me a rating below! I’d love to hear what you served them with and what kind of party you made them for in the comments!

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