Gather ’round, my fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re embarking on a flavor journey that’s sure to ignite your taste buds. Get ready to savor the delightful fusion of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a medley of aromatic herbs in this irresistible recipe for Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Herb Chicken Bites. This dish is a perfect blend of bold flavors and comforting textures, making it a must-try for any fan of poultry perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Herb Chicken Bites
These Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Herb Chicken Bites are the ultimate in flavor and texture. The juicy, tender chicken is wrapped in a crispy, savory blanket of bacon, and infused with a vibrant blend of fresh herbs that add a layer of irresistible aroma and taste. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a delicious weeknight meal, these bite-sized wonders are sure to delight and satisfy. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of comfort, craveable flavors, and a touch of gourmet flair.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a truly mouthwatering dish. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, and a few pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 12 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 2 tbsp – Fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp – Fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp – Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a leaner option)
- Bacon: Plant-based bacon alternative (for a dairy-free version)
How to Make Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Herb Chicken Bites
Get ready to create a flavor-packed masterpiece with these simple, step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, grab your chicken thighs and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop your fresh herbs, making sure to have a delightful blend of rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Finally, lay out your strips of thick-cut bacon, ready to be wrapped around the chicken.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the chopped herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Now, take a strip of bacon and wrap it around each chicken bite, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Roast the chicken bites until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through, about 25-30 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as you want the bacon to be golden and the chicken to be juicy and tender.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Herb Chicken Bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, remove the toothpicks and arrange the bites on a serving platter. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh herbs for a visually stunning presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken before wrapping it in bacon.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herb combinations, such as Italian seasoning or a blend of Southwestern spices.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the bites up to the point of baking, then refrigerate until ready to pop in the oven.
- Creative Presentation: Try skewering the bacon-wrapped chicken for easy finger food or rolling them up for a fun presentation.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bites in the oven or air fryer for a crispy refresh.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the bites up to the point of baking, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Herb Chicken Bites provides a satisfying dose of protein, with the chicken and bacon offering a perfect balance of lean and savory. The fresh herbs add a nutritious boost of antioxidants and flavor, making this dish a well-rounded and indulgent option for your meal planning.
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get the bacon extra crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispiness, be sure to use thick-cut bacon and roast the chicken bites in a hot oven (around 400°F). You can also try partially cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken, which will help it crisp up even more.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it out for pork tenderloin or even shrimp for a delightful seafood twist.
How can I make these bites ahead of time?
These Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Herb Chicken Bites are perfect for meal prep! Simply assemble the bites up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop them in the oven. This will save you time on the day of serving.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely cook these bites in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken in a single layer, and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
What should I serve these bites with?
The possibilities are endless! These Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Herb Chicken Bites pair beautifully with a variety of sides, from roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables to a fresh green salad or creamy mashed cauliflower. Get creative and let your taste buds guide you!
Try These Next
- sweet heat bbq bacon wrapped chicken bites
- crispy air fryer chicken bacon ranch bites
- crispy maple bacon chicken bites with sweet heat glaze
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Herb Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy bacon-wrapped herb chicken bites are perfect for parties or a delicious snack. Juicy chicken is wrapped in savory bacon and seasoned with fresh herbs for an irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Wrap each piece of chicken with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the seasoned oil over the bacon-wrapped chicken bites.
5. Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the chicken bites for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. You can use fresh herbs if available for more flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bacon, chicken, appetizer, bites